Latest news with #SandeepDas
The Hindu
a day ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Eight new species found in herpetofauna survey at PTR
The herpetofauna survey conducted in Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) has added five new species to the list of amphibians and three new species to that of reptiles, revealing the rich biodiversity of the region. The survey held from June 7 to 10 identified 67 species of amphibians and 82 species of reptiles. According to researcher Sandeep Das, the survey newly identified species such as Darrel's Chorus Frog (Microhyla darrelli), Kerala Skittering Frog (Euphlyctis kerala), Jaladhara Skittering Frog (Euphlyctis jaladhara), Nilphamarai Narrow-mouthed Frog (Microhyla nilphamariensis), Narayan's caecilian (Uraeotyphlus narayani), Rashid's Day Gecko (Cnemaspis rashidi), Meghamala Dravidogecko (Dravidogecko meghamalaiensis) and Beddome's Dravidogecko (Dravidogecko beddomei). Follow-up survey 'These species were not recorded in previous surveys. The amphibian diversity of PTR is also unique, which is evident as 53 out of 67 species recorded in the survey, or 80%, are found only in the Western Ghats. We will conduct a follow-up survey after the monsoon to explore the seasonal diversity of herpetofauna in PTR. Additionally, we removed six species from the checklist that lacked proper records,' said Dr. Das. According to officials, the survey was conducted from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. with the assistance of Forest department officials. Among reptiles, there are 12 species on the endangered list, including the Cane Turtle (Vijayachelys silvatica), the Travancore Tortoise (Indotestudo travancorica), and the Short-tailed Kukri (Oligodon brevicauda). The Yellow-eyed Reed Frog was spotted four times during the survey. The survey spotted the Galaxy Frog, the flagship species of Mathikettan Shola National Park, in two different locations. 21 camps Officials conducted the field survey in 21 camps that represented various vegetation and elevation types. Seventy-three volunteers from various educational and research institutions, including Calicut University, Kannur University, and the Kerala Forest Research Institute, as well as voluntary organisations, including the Malabar Natural History Society, ATREE Bengaluru, Sarpa, and Snakepedia, participated in the survey. Researchers Sandeep Das and Rajkumar led the survey that was inaugurated by PTR Assistant Field Director Lakshmi R. Sandeep S., Deputy Director, PTR West Division; K.E. Sibi, Range Forest Officer, Thekkady; Arun K. Nair, Range Forest Officer, Vallakadavu Range; Libin John, Range Forest Officer, Research Range; Priya T. Joseph, Range Forest Officer, Flying Squad Range; conservation biologists M. Ramesh Babu and Alby J. Mattathil, Sethu Parvathy, Nature Education Officer, PTCF; among others, joined the survey.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
'Rat Snake': Kerala Wildlife Board considers proposal to declare Ptyas mucosa official state reptile; helps control crop-damaging rats in farmlands
KOCHI: The state board for wildlife will consider the proposal for declaring the Rat Snake (Chera in Malayalam) as the official reptile of the state, considering its ecological importance. The Rat Snake, Ptyas mucosa, is a non-venomous snake that plays a key role in controlling the population of rats that damage agricultural crops in farmlands. As a carnivore, the Rat Snake also consumes young venomous snakes. Known as the 'friend of farmers', Rat Snakes have great conservation importance, notes the proposal at the board meeting to be convened on Wednesday. By declaring it as the official reptile of the state, it will help this species to be brought under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, which will give it the highest level of protection with the harshest penalties for violation. Currently, it is under Schedule 2 of the act, which gives the species a slightly lower level of protection. "There is a misconception that snakes are dangerous to humans and cause hardships for us. However, in reality, snakes control the rat population, which is itself caused by our mismanagement of waste disposal. Humans do not come under the food chain of snakes. They bite people for defence when they feel threatened. Regarding Rat Snakes, common people know Chera is not dangerous and is beneficial to them. Kerala witnesses over 100 to 200 snake bite incidents. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologists Recommend: Eat 1 Teaspoon Tonight – Wake Up With a Flatter Stomach Hollywood News | USA Click Here Undo But casualties are very few as we have a good healthcare system with better access to antivenom treatment. Despite this awareness, some people resort to unscientific treatment for poisoning, which eventually results in the deaths of patients every year. Nowadays, the SARPA program of the Forest Department plays a big role in creating awareness of the importance of conserving snakes, and they soon call a rescuer for catching snakes," says Sandeep Das, Biologist. "We have an official state animal, state bird, state fish, butterfly, tree, and so on. But we do not have an official state reptile, and that's why we proposed the Rat Snake to be declared as the official state reptile. It will give more conservation value to that species, which in reality plays a high ecological value. Its habitat is human habitations, not forests," said a forest official. Besides this, the board will also consider a proposal to rechristen the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary to Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary on the 25th anniversary of the sanctuary. The renaming is considering its vital role in serving as a major host of migrating Albatross butterflies every year. The sanctuary witnesses a mass migration of butterflies between December and February because of the unique ecosystem.
