Amphibian Fauna of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India

Authors: Veeramani A* , Ennavan V , Manimala A and Ajith A

DOI: 10.23880/izab-16000646

Volume 8, Issue 1

Abstract

Amphibians are characterized by their ability to live both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Few species are permanently lives as land dwellers, while some of other species have completely aquatic mode of life. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the protected area of Kerala, where amphibian documentation is very less. In this context, a rapid survey on amphibians was initiated to document the anurans in the landscape. Three major vegetation types namely Riparian, dry deciduous and evergreen forests were covered for the survey. Both nocturnal and diurnal survey was made along the streams and rivers. Time-constrained Visual Encounter Surveys involves systematic search of an area or habitat for a prescribed time. Eighteen species of amphibians belongs to eight families were collected based on the present study. Out of 18 species, nine are endemic to Western Ghats and five of them are threatened.

Keywords: Amphibian; Survey; Endangered; Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary; Western Ghats

View PDF