Rashid’s Gecko Day (Cnemaspis Rashidi) was found during a recent Herpetofauna survey in PTR. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Herpetefaun survey conducted in Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) added to the list of amphibians and three new species to the reptile that revealed a rich biological diversity of the region, five new species. A survey held from 7 to 10 June identified 67 amphibian species and 82 reptile species.
According to the reserved DAS, a survey was a newly identified survey such as Darrel’s Chorus Frog (Microhyla Darrelli) Jaladhara), Nilphamarai narrow oral frog (microhylic days), Rashisid (Cnemassissid) (CNEMASSISSID) (CNEMASSID) (CNEMASISSID) (Cnemaridide) (Cnemarisilian (Cnemassississids) (Cnemarisilian) (Cnemarisilian (Cnemarainsid) (Cnemaarisilian), Rashisid daily.
Subsequent survey
“These species have not been recorded in previous surveys. PTR diversity is also unique, which is obvious because 53 out of 67 species recorded in a survey or 80%are only in western Ghats.
Darrels Chorus Frog (Microhyla Darreli) found during a recent Herpetofaun survey in PTR. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
According to officials, the survey was carried out from 8:00 to 11:00 and 18:30 to 23:30 with the help of forest department officials. Among the reptiles are on the endangered list of 12 species, including the turtle Cane (Vijayachelys Silvatica), Travancore Turtle (Indotestudo Travancorica) and Short -term Kukri (Oligodon Brevicauda).
During the survey, a frog about yellow eye reeds was four times. The survey was seen by Galaxy Frog, the flagship of the Mathikettan Shola national park in two different places.
21 camps
Officials conducted an off -road survey in 21 camps, which represented different types of vegetation and height. The survey was attended by seventy -three volunteers from various educational and research institutions, including the Calicut University, Kannur University and Keral Forest Research Institute, as well as voluntary organizations, including Malabar Natural History Society, Atree Bengalur, Sarpa and SnakePedia.
Scientists Sandeep Das and Rajkumar led the survey, which was inaugurated by the field director PTR Lakshmi R. Sandeep S., Deputy Director, PTR West Division; To Sibi, Range Forest Officer, Thekkady; ARUN K. NAIR, Range Forest Officer, Vallakadavu Range; Libin John, Range Forest Officer, Research Range; Priya T. Joseph, Range Forest Officer, flying Smeta; Biologists of nature protection M. Ramesh Babu and albums J. Mattathil, Seth Parvathy, Nature Officer, PTCF; Among other things, it joined the survey.
Published – June 18, 2025 9:13
