Kerala’s Periyar Tiger Reserve Survey Discovers Eight Previously Unrecorded Herpetofaunal Species.
Environment
A detailed herpetofaunal survey conducted from 7 to 10 June 2025 in Kerala’s Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) uncovered eight new species records—five amphibians and three reptiles—not previously documented in the reserve, reaffirming the Western Ghats’ ecological significance.
- The survey added five amphibians to the PTR checklist: Microhyla darrelli (Darrel’s Chorus Frog), Euphlyctis kerala (Kerala Skittering Frog), Euphlyctis jaladhara (Jaladhara Skittering Frog), Microhyla nilphamariensis (Nilphamari Narrow-mouthed Frog), and Uraeotyphlus narayani (Narayan’s Caecilian). These species are largely endemic to the Western Ghats and have been recorded for the first time in this reserve.
- Three reptile species were also newly documented: Cnemaspis rashidi (Rashid’s Day Gecko), Dravidogecko meghamalaiensis (Meghamalai Dravidogecko), and Dravidogecko beddomei (Beddome’s Dravidogecko). These lizards are primarily found in isolated hill regions and indicate the microhabitat diversity within PTR.
Main Point :- (i) In total, the survey recorded 67 amphibian species and 82 reptile species in the reserve. Around 80% of the amphibians found were endemic to the Western Ghats, highlighting the region’s role as a global biodiversity hotspot and its need for scientific documentation and habitat protection.
(ii) The exercise was collaboratively led by the Kerala Forest Department (KFD), the Periyar Tiger Conservation Foundation (PTCF), and the Aranyakam Nature Foundation (ANF), with the participation of more than 150 individuals, including researchers, college students, forest officials, and local volunteers.
(iii) Conservation significance was underscored by the presence of 12 species classified as Vulnerable or Endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. These include the Travancore Tortoise (Indotestudo travancorica) and the Cane Turtle (Vijayachelys silvatica), both facing habitat threats in the Western Ghats.
About Kerala
Chief minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
Governor: Rajendra Arlekar
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