Limbless amphibian found in Kaziranga for first time

Last Updated22/06/2024

A limbless amphibian has been added to the fauna of the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.

Assam’s wildlife officials said a team of herpetologists recorded the striped Caecilian (Ichthyophis spp) in the tiger reserve for the first time during a rapid herpetofauna survey
Reptiles and amphibians, collectively called herpetofauna, are the least studied but most vulnerable to climate change.
“Caecilians are limbless amphibians that spend most of their lives burrowed under soil.
They are, therefore, the least studied of the amphibian species.
As they are an ancient species, their presence holds critical linkages to evolution and intercontinental speciation.
The diverse ecosystem of Kaziranga, comprising flood plains, wetlands, grasslands, and hill tracts on the periphery, provides an ideal habitat for herpetofauna.
The tiger reserve houses 24 species of amphibians and 74 species of reptiles. It is also home to 21 of the 29 species of tortoises and freshwater turtles found in India.
A training and sensitisation programme was held to enhance the skills of forest personnel in herpetofauna identification and conservation for ensuring better management and protection of these vital species.”