### Spirobolus Jaysukhiyensis Fungus Discovered in Rajasthan

Udaipur, September 3: In a remarkable discovery in Southern Rajasthan, the fungus Spirobolus jaysukhiyensis, commonly known as the "Artillery Fungus," has been found in the Rajpura village of the Mandalgarh region. Dr. Anil Sarsavan, a field ecologist at the Foundation for Psychological Security, and Dr. Satish Sharma, a retired Assistant Conservator of Forests and environmental scientist from Udaipur, made this significant finding.

### Why is it Called the 'Artillery Fungus'?

Dr. Satish Sharma explained that when this fungus is touched, it releases small black spores that resemble cannonballs being fired, giving it the name "Artillery Fungus." If you happen to touch this fungus while wearing white clothes, these spores will stick to your clothes, making them visibly noticeable.

### Second Recorded Presence in India

According to Dr. Sarsavan and Dr. Sharma, this is the first time the presence of *Spirobolus jaysukhiyensis* has been recorded in Rajasthan and the second time in India. The first recorded presence in India was in Gujarat in 2020. The fungus was discovered in waste material along a pond in Rajpura village. Their research has been published in the 25th issue of the *Species Journal* from Tamil Nadu.

### Significance of the Discovery

Dr. Sarsavan and Dr. Sharma highlighted the importance of this discovery, noting that biodiversity is not limited to protected areas but is also abundant in villages, fields, ponds, and grazing lands. Understanding and researching these common resources are essential to uncover and preserve many unknown species.