67 amphibian and 76 reptile species found in Shendurney survey
A recent survey at the Shendurney wildlife sanctuary in the Agasthyamala biosphere has documented 67 amphibian and 76 reptile species, including several rare and endemic varieties. The study, involving multiple research institutions, identified numerous species not previously recorded in the area's management plan.
Why it matters
Biodiversity documentation is essential for conservation efforts, especially in sensitive ecosystems like the Western Ghats that face threats from environmental change.
Sixty-seven species of amphibians and 76 species of reptiles were documented in the first phase survey of amphibians and reptiles at the Shendurney wildlife sanctuary in the Agasthyamala biosphere. Though separate surveys of amphibians and reptiles have been conducted many times earlier, this is the first time that a team comprising researchers, students, and nature observers camped in different parts of the wildlife sanctuary for four days from July 17 to 20 to conduct the survey.
Organised by the Forest department, Shendurney wildlife sanctuary, and the Aranyakam Nature Foundation, the survey saw the participation of nearly 10 educational and research institutions, including the University of Calicut and Kerala Forest Research Institute; 30-odd volunteers from organisations such as the Malabar Nature History Society and the Ecological Conservation Society; and an equal number of forest guards.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in