title: Checklist of the earthworms (Oligochaeta) of Kerala, a constituent of Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, India.
abstract: A checklist of earthworm species hitherto known from Kerala, a constituent of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot in India, is presented. In total, 88 species and subspecies are recorded, of which 55 are Kerala endemics, 9 near endemics, 14 exotics and 10 native peregrines. These belong to 26 genera and 9 families. The checklist includes the literature citation to the original description, type locality, any significant subsequent generic placements, and the district distributional pattern for each species/ subspecies.
authors.affiliation: Advanced Centre of Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development, Mahatma Gandhi University, Priyadarsini Hills, Kottayam - 686560, Kerala, India. narayanankc@gmail.com.
authors.forename: S Prasanth
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Narayanan
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sathrumithra
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Christopher
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Julka
mesh_terms: D063147:Animal Distribution; D000818:Animals; D044822:Biodiversity; D057189:Checklist; D007194:India; D009835:Oligochaeta / Q000145:classification*
keywords: Annelida, Earthworms, Clitellata, Kerala, Western Ghats, India, checklist, distribution