A three-day survey has recorded the presence of 29 species of frogs in the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary. It is hoped that a detailed survey will identify more species of frogs.K.J. Varghese, Conservator of Forests (Agastyamala Biological Park) told The Hindu that on the basis of the findings of the rapid survey, the Forest Department would undertake a detailed amphibian study in the sanctuary. He said it was the first time that such a survey was undertaken in the sanctuary. It brought to light the rich biodiversity in the sanctuary, Mr. Varghese said. The survey team comprised 13 persons led by veterinary surgeon and naturalist Anil Zacharia.
P.I. Pradeep Kumar, warden of the sanctuary, said that of the 29 species found, 23 were endemic to the Western Ghats. Seven new species, discovered after the year 2000, were also found in the sanctuary. The Myristica swamp in the lower reaches of the sanctuary was found to be the ideal breeding ground for many of the frog species. The species endemic to the Western Ghats found in the sanctuary include the Malabar tree toad, dusky torrent frog, Alicia’s night frog, Beddome’s night frog, Malabar India frog, variable bush frog, Anil’s bush frog, Beddome’s bush frog, small wrinkled frog, small bush frog, Ponmudi bush frog, Kani bush frog, Kalpetta bush frog, large Ponmudi bush frog and the Malabar flying frog. Other frogs found include the chunam frog, the bronze frog, golden frog, dot frog, Indian bull frog, Kerala warty frog, Indian pond frog, skittering frog and the ridged toad. The sanctuary was divided into three sites, Kattilapara, Rockwood Estate and Pandimotta, for the survey. At Kattilapara, 14 species were found. At Rockwood Estate, 13 species were found and at Pandimotta eight species were found.
The survey team also comprised Jafer Palot from the Zoological Survey of India and E. Kunhikrishnan from the Zoology Department of the University College, Thiruvananthapuram.
The Hindu, 21st October 2009
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