Earthworm diversity and distribution in district Mandi, Himachal Pradesh of Northwest Himalaya, India

Abstract

The present survey of diversity and distribution of earthworms in District Mandi of Northwest Himalayan region conducted in two year from May 2013 to April 2015. Based on study reported 17 species belonging to 4 families. Information on earthworms scientific name, family, number, locality and general habitat are given for each species discussed in the text. Out of these 17 species, 6 native and 11 exotic species are recorded. There are 3 species which are firstly recorded in the study area these includes Eisenia fetida, Argilophilus sp. and Amynthas morrisi. The study provided extended information on earthworms’ diversity in the study area with special reference to change in species along with change in vegetation and altitude.