Horabagrus brachysoma, thought to be endemic to the southern parts of the Western Ghats of India, is recorded for the northern parts of the Western Ghats, extending the species distribution range by 180 km. We have confirmed the identity of the species and the fact that the species is indigenous to this area and not an artifact of recent introductions using molecular methods. Apart from the range extension we have also provided detailed analysis regarding the nature of morphometric variations between the sexes, length-weight relationship, and a brief discussion about the potential habitat requirements and threats to this species. By documenting the possible threats to this threatened and endemic species, we have commented on the possible measures to conserve the species in the wild.

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Two species of xenophthalmid crabs are recorded from the state of Maharashtra in northwestern India. Xenophthalmus garthii Sankarankutty, 1969, originally described from northern Kerala in India, is rediscovered, and the species proves to be a member of Anomalifrons Rathbun, 1931, a genus not previously known from the Indian Ocean. The taxonomy of this species is discussed and compared with its only congener, A. lightana Rathbun, 1931, from Southeast and East Asia. Xenophthalmus wolffii Takeda & Miyake, 1970, is recorded for first time from the coast of Mumbai; the species is otherwise known from various parts of the Indian Ocean.

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The present work was carried out in Malgaon-Bagayat (16009’04.35”N & 73033’04.7”E) and Malvan Taluka (16005’00”N & 73030’00”E) of Sindhudurg District.  The paper represents the first document on birds as there are no published records from Sindhudurg District.  The study was conducted for a period of two years to explore the avifauna as no records have been published yet from this area.  A total of 101 species of birds belonging to 17 orders and 45 families and were recorded in the study areas inhabiting different types of habitats.  The Order Passeriformes contributed the maximum species (44.9%) followed by Pelecaniformes (9.2%), Charadriiformes (8.2%) and Accipitriformes (6.1%).  The species such as the Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Common Hoopoe, and Pied Kingfisher were observed only once in the study area.  The common occurrence of the Near Threatened Malabar Pied Hornbill in Bagayat signifies the ornithological importance of this site.  Long-term studies on distribution and abundance are required to prepare a conservation plan for avifauna in Sindhudurg District.  The data generated can be considered as baseline data for future conservation and management of existing species.