Discovery of Limbless Amphibian in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve

Location: Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam, India

Key Points:

1. New Species Discovery: A team of herpetologists has discovered a limbless amphibian, the striped caecilian (Ichthyophis spp), in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve for the first time.
2. Rapid Herpetofauna Survey: The discovery was made during a rapid herpetofauna survey conducted from June 14-17, 2022, with the support of various organisations and experts.
3. Importance of Herpetofauna: Reptiles and amphibians, collectively known as herpetofauna, are the least studied but most vulnerable to climate change. They are indicator species for the environment and play a crucial role in controlling pests.

About Caecilians: Elongated, Limbless Amphibians Caecilians are a type of amphibian that are characterized by their elongated, segmented bodies and lack of limbs. They belong to the same group as frogs and salamanders, but are distinct in their appearance, which is often compared to earthworms or snakes due to their limbless nature. Unique Features: The name "Caecilian" means "blind", which is fitting as some species of caecilians are eyeless, while others have small eyes hidden under their skin. There are approximately 200 known species of caecilians, which vary in size, with the smallest measuring less than three inches and the largest reaching up to five feet in length. Habitat and Behavior: Caecilians are primarily found in moist tropical and subtropical regions of South and Central America, South and Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. They are terrestrial animals, but are rarely seen as they spend most of their lives underground, burrowing in forests, grasslands, savannas, shrublands, and wetlands. Physical Characteristics: Caecilians have a number of distinct physical features, including a hard, thick skull with a pointy snout, which helps them move through dirt and mud. Their shiny skin is ringed with skin folds called annuli, and they often come in shades of gray, brown, black, orange, or yellow. Some species have tiny, fishlike scales within the rings, and they all have short, sensory tentacles located between their eyes and nostrils, which help them probe their environment and find prey.

4. Diverse Ecosystem: The Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has a diverse ecosystem comprising:
   1. Flood plains
   2. Wetlands
   3. Grasslands
   4. Hill tracts on the periphery
   5. Providing an ideal habitat for herpetofauna
5. The tiger reserve is home to:
   1. 24 species of amphibians
   2. 74 species of reptiles
   3. 21 of the 29 species of tortoises and freshwater turtles found in India
6. Conservation Efforts: The focus of conservation in the tiger reserve has been on the 'Big Five' species:
   1. Rhinoceros
   2. Tiger
   3. Elephant
   4. Wild water buffalo
   5. Swamp deer
7. Training and Sensitization: A training and sensitization program was recently held to enhance the skills and knowledge of forest personnel in herpetofauna identification and conservation for ensuring better management and protection of these vital species.

Significance:

1. The discovery of the limbless amphibian highlights the importance of conservation efforts in protecting the diverse ecosystem of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
2. The survey and discovery of new species emphasise the need for continued research and monitoring of herpetofauna in the region.
3. The training and sensitization program for forest personnel underscores the importance of capacity building in wildlife conservation.

 

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