frog leg Newsletter of the Amphibian Network of South Asia and Amphibian Specialist Group - South Asia ISSN: 2230-7060 No.17 | November 2011
Contents
Distribution and threats of amphibian species in west Midnapore District, West Bengal, India -- Suman Pratihar & Kaushik Deuti, Pp. 2–8
Recent threats and conservation strategies of anurans at central Aravalli foothills of Rajasthan, India -- Vivek Sharma, Krishan Kumar Sharma & Neha Sharma, Pp. 9–15
Male Territorial combat in bush frogs of Western Ghats -- KP. Dinesh, Nirmal U. Kulkarni, K.V. Gururaja & C. Radhakrishnan, Pp. 16–19
New record of Roland’s Burrowing Frog Sphaerotheca rolandae (Dubois, 1983) (Dicroglossidae: Anura) from Uttar Pradesh, India -- V.D. Hegde & S. Roy, Pp. 20–21
Record of Kaloula assamensis (Das et al., 2004) (Anura: Microhylidae) from Bongagaon District, Assam, India -- Anukul Nath, Firoz Ahmed & Hilloljyoti Singha, Pp. 22–23
A large new striped ichthyophiid caecilian discovered from the Western Ghats -- K.P. Dinesh & Gopalakrishna Bhatta, Pp. 24–25
Some frogs of Coorg -- Sachin Rai, Pp. 26–28
Date of publication: 22 November 2011
www.zoosprint.org/Newsletters/frogleg.htm frog leg is registered under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License, which allows unrestricted use of articles in any medium for non-profit purposes, reproduction and distribution by providing adequate credit to the authors and the source of publication. OPEN ACCESS | FREE DOWNLOAD
1 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 Distribution and threats of amphibian species are threatened, representing in west Midnapore District, West Bengal, India 1896 species. By comparison, just 12% of all bird species and Suman Pratihar 1 & Kaushik Deuti 2 23% of all mammal species are threatened. 1 Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Vidyasagar (i) As many as 165 University, Midnapore, West Bengal 721102, India amphibian species may already 2 Zoological Survey of India, F.P.S. Building, 27 JL Nehru Road, Kolkata, have been extinct. At least 34 West Bengal 700016, India amphibian species are known Email: 1 [email protected],2 [email protected] to be extinct; one is extinct in the Wild, while at least another Amphibians, particularly and are already being used to 130 species have not been anurans, are of immense design the strategies to save found in recent years and are ecological and economical the world’s rapidly declining possibly extinct. importance. Many researchers amphibian populations. As of (ii) At least 43% of all who were trying to solve the June 2007, the GAA lists a total species are declining in puzzle of amphibian decline of 5918 amphibian species in population, indicating that the during past decades are now the world. Frogs and toads number of threatened species even more motivated by the lead the list with 88% or 5211 can be expected to rise in the feeling that these creatures different species. Of those, future. In contrast, less than may be telling us some thing 1590 or 30.5% were listed one percent of species show important about the threats as vulnerable, endangered population increase. to biodiversity on our planet. or critically endangered. (iii) The largest numbers of Amphibians are good bio- Amphibian species diversity is threatened species occurred in indicators of environment highest in the tropics. Declines Latin American countries such degradation. The initial have occurred all around the as Colombia (209), Mexico release in 2004 of the Global world; the areas that have (198), and Ecuador (163). Amphibian Assessment (GAA) suffered the most declines The highest levels of threat, report represented for the include Central America, the however, are in the Caribbean, first time that most amphibian Caribbean, Australia and some where more than 80% of species known to science other parts of Asia. Although amphibians are threatened in had been analyzed in order habitat loss clearly poses the the Dominican Republic, Cuba to assess their conservation greatest threat to amphibians, and Jamaica and a staggering status and distribution. The a newly recognized fungal 92% in Haiti. GAA is an ongoing project, disease is seriously affecting an The anurans show highest and since 2004 there have increasing number of species. diversity among Indian been many updates to the Perhaps most disturbing finding amphibians inhabiting all types data, including the addition of is that, many species are of habitat such as aquatic, semi 160 new species. Almost 600 declining for unknown reasons, aquatic, fossorial, terrestrial, experts from over 60 countries which complicates the efforts to semiarboreal and arboreal. have so far contributed to this design and implement effective The amphibians of India show assessment. The results of the conservation strategies. a high level of endemism. In study provide a baseline for Nearly one-third (32%) of 2010, Zoological Survey of global amphibian conservation, the world’s amphibian species India has documented a total
2 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 of 311 amphibian species in together with Bangladesh lying India. The district has 4 sub- India (Dinesh et al. 2010). Out on its east, forms the historical divisions: Kharagpur, Medinipur of these 46 amphibian species and geographical region of Sadar, Ghatal and Jhargram. are found in the state of West Bengal. To its northeast lie the Bengal. There are 19 districts states of Assam and Sikkim and Methods in West Bengal. Owing to the country of Bhutan, and to the varying altitude from the its southwest lies the state of The whole study area is Himalayas to the coastal plains, Orissa. To the west, it borders subdivided into two zones the flora and fauna of the state the states of Jharkhand and (agriculture and industrial). is diverse. Forests make up Bihar, and to the northwest, Samples were collected (viz., 14% of the geographical area Nepal. West Bengal’s climate marshes, pools or streams, of West Bengal, which is lower varies from tropical savannah riverbank, sandy soil, under big than the national average of in the southern portions to boulder, stones and decaying 23%. Protected forests cover humid subtropical in the north. logs) from 4 sub-divisions 4% of the state area. Of these The main seasons are summer (Kharagpur, Medinipur Sadar, only 14 anuran species (Table season, rainy season, a short Ghatal and Jhargram) and in 1) are found in West Midnapore autumn, and winter. While the the month of June-July mainly district (22015’N & 87039’E) of summer in the delta region is during early morning and late West Bengal. noted for excessive humidity, evening. No systematic survey the western highlands on the amphibian has so far Study area and its ecology experience a dry summer been undertaken in the district West Bengal is a state in the like northern India, with the of West Midnapore which has eastern region of India and is the highest day temperature varied environmental scenario nation’s fourth most populous. ranging from 38 to 45 0C. West ranging from degraded It is also the seventh most Midnapore District, also known landscape to deep forest. populous sub-national entity as Midnapore West, is a district Methods like capturing by in the world. West Bengal, of the state of West Bengal, hands, nets and by fixing traps on the sides of the ponds and river were deployed (Bishop et Table 1. Anuran species found in West Midnapore (Study-site) al. 1994). Water bodies were Sno Species sampled for aquatic amphibians 1. Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider,1799) and soil was dug to determine 2. Duttaphrynus stomaticus (Lutken,1862) the presence of burrowing 3. Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (Schneider,1799) frogs. Specimens were then 4. Euphlyctis hexadactylus (Lesson,1834) placed in a jute bag, and area 5. Fejervarya syhadrensis (Annandale, 1919) of inspection of each individual 6. Fejervarya teraiensis (Dubois,1984) frog was recorded. Specimens 7. Hoplobatrachus crassus (Jerdon,1853) were then transferred to 8. Hoplobatrachus tigerinus (Daudin,1802) the respective terrarium for 9. Sphaerotheca breviceps (Schneider,1799) 10. Hylarana tytleri (Theobald, 1868) captive care until they were 11. Microhyla ornata (Dumeril & Bibron,1841) examined for morphological 12. Kaloula taprobanica Parker,1934 parameters (Gupta, 1998). 13. Uperodon globulosus (Gunter,1864) Identification was done 14. Polypedates maculatus (Gray, 1834) according to keys provided
3 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 by Dutta (1992). Twelve and only seen occasionally in morphological characters were primary forest. Nocturnal, taken under consideration for regularly found in drainages morphometric analysis (Rath et and ditches. The species breeds al. 1996) and only adult frogs during the monsoons and the were measured. tadpoles are black. Young toads may be seen in large Detail descriptions of numbers after the monsoons. amphibians found in West These toads are often seen Midnapore District: at night under street lamps especially during times when Image 2. Duttaphrynus stomaticus 1. Duttaphrynus winged-termites swarm. They melanostictus (Schneider, have been noted to feed on a and seasonal pools, seasonal 1799) (Image 1) wide range of invertebrates streams and slow-flowing Status: Least Concern. including scorpions. streams. Adults hide under Population trend: Stable. Threats: Degradation of rocks and in crevices. It is a Distribution: In West breeding habitat due to rapid very adaptable species that Bengal, present in all the industrialization, reclamation may be found in houses too. districts. Common throughout of wetlands, contamination of Threats: Run off from the plains of India, also in Nepal, water bodies by agricultural chemicals used as fertilizers Sri Lanka, Myanmar, South pesticides and over-collection and pesticides are causing China and Malay Peninsula. for dissection in educational death and deformities in Habitat: Terrestrial and institutes are all taking a heavy tadpoles of this species. The nocturnal in habit, found in and toll on the population of these spray of insecticides on crops is near water during breeding toads. Many are also run-over causing serious damage to this season. Found in altitudes by traffic on highways. population of toad by getting of up to 1400m in Darjeeling directly exposed to the spray, Himalaya. Common in South 2. Duttaphrynus stomaticus and by consuming insects and Asia. Commonly disturbed in (Lutken, 1862) (Image 2) their larvae which were killed open areas, villages, towns Status: Least Concern. by the insecticide. Increasing Population trend: Stable. atmospheric temperatures and Distribution: In West decreasing rainfall have also Bengal, present in mainly affected population of this toad the coastal districts. Found enormously. The ponds and throughout Peninsular India puddles, where it breeds during and in parts of northern India early breeding season (March as well as in Nepal, Bangladesh to May) are mostly dried out and Myanmar. which results in killing eggs and Habitat: Found in a wide tadpoles. Mostly this toad lives range of habitats including open in crevices and holes in fields. plains, grasslands, scrublands, The use of heavy tractors with forests, suitable agricultural long shears dig out the toads, lands and human habitations. most of which are killed by Breeding occurs in permanent trampling over. Mortality due Image 1. Duttaphrynus melanostictus
4 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 to increasing traffic is high. 4. Euphlyctis hexadactyla tadpole and adult stages by (Lesson, 1834) water birds, fish and snakes. 3. Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis Status: Least Concern. (Schneider, 1799) Population trend: Stable. 6. Fejervarya teraiensis Status: Least Concern. Distribution: Found only (Dubois, 1984) Population trend: Stable. in the coastal districts of West Status: Least Concern. Distribution: In West Bengal and in the coastal states Population trend: Stable. Bengal found in all the districts of India. Distribution: Found in and throughout India and Habitat: It is a largely almost all the districts of West South and South-east Asia. aquatic species found in most Bengal and throughout most of Habitat: This frog is very types of water bodies, where the states along the Himalayan much an aquatic species, it is associated with aquatic foothills of northern India. found in marshes, pools and vegetation. It breeds in these Habitats: It inhabits open various other wetlands within water bodies. It has been grasslands and is often found a variety of habitat types. It recorded from brackish water close to permanent pools and has also been recorded from in Sri Lanka. streams. Breeding takes place brackish water in southern Sri Threats: Agrochemical in temporary and permanent Lanka. Adults are generally pollution of aquatic habitats is pools and in paddy fields. found basking at the edge of the main threat to the species. Threats: Contamination of the water bodies and males Capture of adults for food, water ways by agrochemicals. call from within the water. The mortality in fisheries and use as Especially, pesticides are a species breeds, and the larvae research animals are also other major threat. develop in suitable water threats faced by the species. bodies. The species may be 7. Hoplobatrahcus crassus found in modified habitats also 5. Fejervarya syhadrensis (Jerdon, 1853) where suitable wetland habitat (Annandale, 1919) Status: Least Concern. is available. Status: Least Concern. Population trend: Threats: The pollutants in Population trend: Stable. Decreasing. water affect the frog. Adults are Distribution: Found in all Distribution: In West killed or migrate to new ponds. the districts of southern West Bengal found in all the districts Tadpoles and eggs perish. Bengal. Also found throughout and throughout the plains of Ponds and puddles where this northern India and central India and south and south-east species breeds often dry up India. Asia. during early breeding period Habitat: It inhabits mostly Habitat: It is present in (March–May), and as a result open, wet habitats including cultivated areas and around eggs and tadpoles are killed. riverine floodplains, wet the human settlements. Adults The frog and its tadpoles are agricultural areas such as rice are often found in burrows, and common in the diet of herons fields, ditches, marshes, parks, are known to aestivate during and other water birds. It is and gardens. Its breeding and dry periods. Breeding and included in the dietary schedule larval development take place presumably larval development of several common snakes and in various wetland habitats. take place in many different monitor lizards. Threats: Pollution by types of water bodies. pesticides and chemicals used Threats: They are in serious on crops. Preyed upon at the trouble due to development
5 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 of infrastructure and small during the monsoon season, Population trend: Stable. scale industry in and around when adults congregate at Distribution: In West Midnapur and Kharagpur town ephemeral rainwater pools. Bengal, found in some of the and mortality due to road kill. It produces large numbers of districts and throughout the eggs (and so has potentially plains of India. 8. Hoplobatrachus tigerinus high levels of recruitment), but Habitat: It has been reported (Daudin, 1802) (Image 3) there are high mortality rates from many habitats, including Status: Least Concern among tadpoles, and adult seasonal deciduous forest, arid Population trend: Stable. frogs. plains and scrubland, grassland Distribution: In West Threats: It was once heavily areas, human habitations, Bengal found in all the districts collected for the international plantations and temporary and throughout the plains of frog legs trade. Legal export stagnant wetlands during the India and South and South- of this species from the India breeding season. Adults are east Asia. and Bangladesh has been often found under ground. Habitat: It is mainly banned since 1986. Still some Threats: Habitat loss aquatic, inhabiting mostly illegal trade is going on. Loss as a result of infrastructure freshwater wetlands, both of wetland habitats through development is the main threat natural and artificial (especially infrastructure development, to this frog. It is also threatened paddy fields). It is absent or prolonged drought and water by agrochemical pollution and uncommon in forest areas pollution by pesticides and wetland reclamation. and coastal regions. It is other agrochemicals are mostly solitary and nocturnal, now the main threats to this 10. Hylarana tytleri inhabiting holes and bushes species. (Theobald, 1868) near permanent water courses Status: Least Concern. and pools. Its diet includes 9. Sphaerotheca breviceps Population trend: Stable. invertebrates, small mammals (Schneider, 1799) Distribution: Found only in and birds. Breeding takes place Status: Least Concern. the districts in the plain lands of West Bengal. Only found in eastern and north-eastern India. Habitat: It is an inhabitant of vegetated ponds in the floodplains and is also frequently found in rice fields. It breeds only in stagnant water bodies. Threats: Threats to this species are water pollution by agrochemicals and wetland reclamation.
11. Microhyla ornata (Dumeril & Bibron, 1841) (Image 4) Status: Least Concern. Image 3. Hoplobatrachus tigerinus
6 frog leg | #17 | November 2011
Image 4. Microhyla ornata Image 5. Kaloula taprobanica Image 6. Uperodon globulosus
Population trend: Stable. Bengal and all over India and and in marshy wetlands. Distribution: Found in all Sri Lanka. Threats: The principal the districts of West Bengal Habitat: It is a burrowing threats to this species are and throughout India, south species found in a wide variety agrochemical pollution of water and south-east Asia. of habitat types including dry bodies and urbanization. Habitat: It occupies a forests, plantations (coconut number of habitat types and rubber), wetlands 14. Polypedates maculatus including lowland scrub forest, and areas close to human (Gray, 1834) (Image 7) grassland, agricultural land, habitations. It is generally Status: Least Concern. pastureland and urban areas. found under leaf-litter, in loose Population trend: Stable Fossorial in habit, it is also soil and under logs and below Distribution: Found in all found in forest floor leaf-litter. ground. Breeding and larval the districts of West Bengal and It is mostly a nocturnal species development take place in throughout India and south that is only active during the stagnant and temporary water Asia. rainy season. It breeds in bodies. Habitat: It has been temporary rain pools and other Threats: The pollution recorded from a wide variety of bodies of stagnant water. It of water bodies with habitat types including tropical can occur in modified areas, agrochemicals and the loss moist forests, grasslands, such as non-intensively farmed of suitable terrestrial habitat agricultural areas and close to agricultural land. through urbanization are the human habitations. It is largely Threats: Globally there are main threats to this species. arboreal, although it can also no major threats to this species. be found on walls and hidden It might be locally threatened 13. Uperodon globulosus under rocks. Males have by agrochemical pollution (Gunther, 1864) (Image 6) been reported calling from the (land and water) and by the Status: Least Concern. ground. It breeds in temporary conversion of their habitat to Population trend: Stable pools. intensively cultivated land. Distribution: Found in Threats: Deforestation and almost all the districts of West habitat destruction combined 12. Kaloula taprobanica Bengal and all over India and with pollution by agrochemicals (Parker, 1934) (Image 5) Sri Lanka. is the main threat to the Status: Least Concern. Habitat: This fossorial species. Population trend: Stable. species is found in both forests Distribution: Found in and agricultural land. Breeding almost all the districts of West takes place in shallow ponds
7 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 H. Whiteman & H. Wilbur Coimbatore. (1994). A Proposed North Rath, S., S. Mishra & S.K. Dutta American Amphibian Monitoring (1996). Morphometric and sex Program. Proceedings from the ratio analysis of Indian Tree 1994 North American Monitoring Frog Polypedates maculatus Program Conference, 1–13. (Anura: Rhacophoridae). Zoos’ Dinesh K.P., C. Radhakrishnan Print 11(5): 23–29. K.V. Guraja, K. Deuti & G. Bhatta (2010). “A checklist Acknowledgements of amphibia in India”. Online version. Zoological Survey of Image 7. Polypedates maculatus The first author would like India. to thank his research guide and Dutta, S.K. (1992). Amphibians the Head of the Department of References of India: updated species Zoology, Vidyasagar University, list with distribution record. Midnapur, West Bengal for research Hamadryad 17: 1-13. facilities at the University and the Bishop, C., D. Bradford, G. Gupta, B.K. (1998). Captive care second author would like to thank Casper, S. Corn, S. Droege, of common Indian frogs and the Director, Zoological Survey of G. Fellers, P. Geissler, D.M. toads. Coimbatore Zoological India for allowing him to publish Green, R. Heyer, M. Lannoo, Park and Conservation Centre, this paper. D. Larson, D. Johnson, R. Mc Pioneer House, Peelamedu, Diarmid, J. Sauer, B. Shaffer,
Alien Invasive Amphibians – Indian Action Initiative (AIA-IAI) Join the AIA-IAI to combat the growing threat from exotic species imports in amphibians by the aquarium traders and hobbyists. Release of exotics could potentially threaten native wild amphibian and fish populations.
For more information and to join the action initiative, which include: (a) Surveying local aquarium traders (b) Conducting outreach programmes to aquarium hobbyists (c) Contacting policy makers and government officials (d) Reaching out to aquarium traders through education and awareness
Contact: AIA-IAI @ ANSA/ASG-SA © Anand Padhye c/o Zoo Outreach Organisation, 9A Lal Bahadur Colony, African Clawed Frog Xenopus laevis in Pune Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641004, India [email protected]; [email protected]
8 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 Recent threats and conservation strategies Aravalli foothills, Rajasthan, of anurans at central Aravalli foothills of India. Aravalli mountain range is a typical ensialic mountain Rajasthan, India range of oldest Proterozoic rocks which has an age span 1 2 1 Vivek Sharma , Krishan Kumar Sharma & Neha Sharma between 2500 and 850 million years (Roy & Jakhar 2002). 1,2 Biodiversity Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University, Ajmer, Rajasthan 305009, India Email: 2 [email protected] (corresponding author) Study area The Ajmer District and near by areas are considered Rajasthan is the largest and Sharma 2009; Sharma as the central part of the province of India. Its et al. 2010a, 2010b). Most Aravalli mountain range of characteristics, physiographic studies are confined mainly to Rajasthan 26°16’N–74°25’E & regions viz. the western desert the southern and eastern part of 26°27’N–74°42’E with an area (Thar Desert), the Aravalli Rajasthan and the western and of 8,481km² (Heron 1953). Hills transecting the Thar central part is almost neglected This part of Aravalli range is Desert, southeastern plateau with respect to distribution of locally known as “Merwara and the eastern plains provide amphibian fauna and other Hills”. This is the thinnest part interesting distribution pattern ecological aspects. Due to hard of the mountain range, which of amphibian biodiversity. conditions for survival, thin forms a common “handle” The southeastern plateau of population and geographical of two “fans” of the Aravalli this state is important as it barriers, the amphibians mountains. The common provides an important barrier inhabiting Rajasthan have handle is less than 10km wide for reproductive isolation for acquired characteristic genomic (Heron 1953). The average various species. It is generally organization in the form of altitude of the central Aravalli believed that due to its hot climatically hard species, is 550m. There are very few climatic conditions and arid different from the other peaks that rise above 800m. habitats, very little scope is neighboring areas (Sharma et The Ajmer Valley of Aravalli there for the amphibians to al. 2010b). Unfortunately, due foothills itself drains westward thrive in this part of India. to lack of sufficient survey and into Luni River and the ridges Due to this reason, very few proper scientific documentation east to Ajmer drains to the or negligible studies have in the form of comprehensive Banas River. It experiences a been done on the amphibian base line data of anurans mean annual rainfall of 573mm fauna from this part of the from this part, attention to but scanty and often uncertain. globe (McCann 1942a, 1942b; major threats and strategies Temperature ranges from 20C Mansukhani & Murthy 1964; for their conservation have to 460C. The summers are Sharma 1995a, 1995b; Sharma not been done properly. The extremely hot in this part. 1997; Sharma 1999; Sharma & present article highlights the However, there are many Agnihotri 2002; Sharma & Khan recent threats associated with climate changes the Aravalli 2002; Sharma et al. 2004; the population of anurans has witnessed in the recent Sharma 2005; Sharma & Dube along with the current status past, particularly the rainfall, 2005; Sharma 2008; Sharma and distribution pattern with temperature fluctuation and & Mehra 2007, 2009; Sharma particular reference to Central shift of weathers.
9 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 Methods humane methods keeping in categorized in four groups (MC The present study was view ethical issues and relevant - most common; CO - common; carried out during the 2007 legislations (Sathyanarayana NC - not common; RA - rare) to 2010. The identification of 2010a, 2010b; Sharma et and also the population trend species was mainly based on al. 2011). Recent studies on categorized as stable; decline the morphometric observations identification and monitoring and sharply decline along with and high-resolution close-up of anurans based on their call the IUCN and Red data list photographs using still and video characteristics have shown status (Table 1). digital cameras (Nikon Coolpix; great potential as a supporting Sony H50, Sony DCR-VX2200E) feature to the traditional Result and Discussion using standard diagnostic keys methods of taxonomy. A total of nine species (Boulenger 1890; Dutta 1992; Therefore, an attempt has belonging to three families Chanda 2002; Daniel 2002; been made in this study to of order Anura was recorded Daniels 2005). Since digital use call characteristics for (Table 1) from the study area documentation at micro level identification and categorization along with certain direct or observations have become (Sonotaxonomy) to support indirect threats associated so precise, authentic and traditional taxonomic with the population of these stable, that killing, fixation parameters based on anuran species. Out of nine and preservation of animals morphological observations. observed anuran species for identification was totally The status of population of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis avoided by implementation of these anuran species was (Image 1) and Bufo stomaticus
Table 1. Anurans of central Aravalli foothills: status, population trend and call characteristics
IUCN** Red list Common Current Population National/ c`ategory Species Call Characteristics Name Status Trend Global/ and Criteria criteria*** Dicroglossidae Euphlyctis Indian Skipping 1 Distinct ‘kurr-rrr-rrr’-‘kurr-rrr-rrr’ MC Stable LRnt/ DD/ N LC ver 3.1 cyanophlyctis Frog Hoplobatrachus Loud low pitched ‘boong- 2 Indian Bull Frog CO Declining VU/ DD/ A1d LC ver 3.1 tigerinus boong-boong’ Fejervarya In quick succession ‘creak – VU/ DD/ 3 Cricket Frog NC Declining LC ver 3.1 limnocharis creak – creak- ……..’ A1a,c Sphaerotheca 4 Burrowing Frog Loud ‘bawng-bawng-bawng’ NC Declining - LC ver 3.1 breviceps Sphaerotheca Roland’s Sharp ‘brreee…. – Sharply 5 RA LRnt/ DD/ N LC ver 3.1 rolandae Burrowing Frog brreeeee…. – brreeee…’ declining Bufonidae Duttaphrynus Common Asian ‘creo-o-o’, ‘cro-ro-ro-ro-ro-ro- VU/ DD/ 6 NC Stable LC ver 3.1 melanostictus Toad ro-……’ A1a,b,c Duttaphrynus 7 Marbled Toad ‘cre- cre – cre - cre -……’ MC Stable LRnt/ DD/ N LC ver 3.1 stomaticus Microhylidae Ornate Narrow- 8 Microhyla ornata Long ‘trrrrk-trrrrk-trrrrrk’ CO Declining LRlc/ DD/ N LC ver 3.1 mouthed Frog Uperodon Marbled Balloon Loud and in quick succession Sharply 9 RA LRnt/ DD/ N LC ver 3.1 systoma Frog ‘tadik-tadik-tadik’ declining
** (Source: Amphibian CAMP Handbook 2001); *** (Source: IUCN 2009)
10 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 monsoon July 2010, we at different level. Because could clearly distinguish both of this the population trend the species based on their and current status observed characteristics call patterns, as varied. During the study, loud ‘bawng-bawng-bawng’ certain anuran population is in the case of Sphaerotheca found as stable so that authors breviceps and Sharp ‘brreee…. interpreted them as ecologically – brreeeee…. – brreeee…’ hard species while the sharply in the case of Sphaerotheca declined anuran found as Image 1. Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis rolandae. The calls were further highly sensitive with concern confirmed with high resolution to anthropogenic changes. (Image 2) observed as spectrograms and their slice most common species with characteristics using sound Threats to anuran population the stable population trend spectrum software (Raven of central Aravalli while the Duttaphrynus Pro 1.4 Beta Version; Avisoft Various threats for the melanostictus (Image 3) 5.0.16, Germany). As we know anuran biodiversity at central observed as not common with the anuran species are showing Aravalli foot hills were observed the stable population trend. the specificity according to by the authors and categorized Hoplobatrachus tigerinus habitat and environmental into two groups mainly: (Image 4) and Microhyla parameters. Or all the anuran primary threats such as mining, ornata (Image 5) were found are subjected to specific deforestation, urbanization and common in the study area and ecological need so the various other anthropogenic activates Fejervarya limnocharis (Image anthropogenic activities such and secondary threats includes 6) and Sphaerotheca breviceps as urbanization; habitat loss landslides, soil erosion (by air (Image 7) observed as not and increased use of pesticides and water), reduction in ground common but all four shows the are affecting the anurans water level and desiccation of population trend as decline. Sphaerotheca rolandae (Image 8) and Uperodon systoma Image 2. Bufo stomaticus (Image 9) occurred as rare and the population trend observed as sharply decline at the central Aravalli foothills. For the last nearly three decades confusion existed in identification of Sphaerotheca breviceps and Sphaerotheca rolandae based on morphological parameters. Interestingly the individuals of both species show very similar morphological and ecological patterns in this part of the country. During the observation of preceding
11 frog leg | #17 | November 2011
Image 5. Microhyla ornata
Image 3. Duttaphrynus melenostictus
open water sources such as The buildings and roads above pond, lakes and seasonal rivers their burrows and hiding places or streams. These factors are have permanently buried them responsible for population in the ground from where they decline of anuran fauna at are unable to come out during central Aravalli ranges. Some rainy season. In this part Image 6. Fejerverya limnocharis primary threats observed of Aravalli, E. cyanophlyctis during the present study are: used to inhabit in cemented - Most of water bodies and small ditches (breeding grounds) transected by roads Image 4. Hoplobatrachus tigirinus and at some places by national highways. This has caused heavy mortalities due to road accidents among the breeding individuals during rainy season. - Urbanization has taken away the habitats of deeper burrowing species such as S. breviceps; S. rolandae; U. systoma and also those which inhabits in short burrows and crevices H. tigerinus; M. ornata; F. limnocharis; B. stomaticus; D. melanostictus.
12 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 agricultural fields have started - Those researchers who are demanding extensive use of not familiar with ethical norms fertilizers particularly during and humane use of animals the monsoon period. These and are doing biosystematics fertilizers get accumulated studies, collect large number in the small ditches in the of breeding individuals of agriculture fields which are a species during the pre- breeding grounds of anurans. monsoon and monsoon period. This result in mortality not only The field collector sweeps the Image 7. Sphaerotheca breviceps in the early larval stages but in ground and kill the individuals the newly hatched frog lets and in big formalin- filled containers toad lets also. for identification. Often, more tanks locally called “Khels” - Deforestation and de- than hundreds individuals of a as drinking water bodies for fragmentation have exposed species are collected for simple cattle. But due to scanty rains, the young ones as well as morphological observation of less availability of water, and adults to predator birds. one species. This has caused watering these tanks from - Illegal use of many anuran complete loss of species in deeper ground water sources, species (E. cyanophlyctis some parts of the study area. Khels are accumulating high and H. tigerinus) in practical - In some villages another levels of total dissolved solids classes in schools, colleges cruel activity which was (TDS) and fluorides. This has and universities in the past has observed by authors was adversely affected the early also caused heavy loss to the killing adults of some anuran developmental stages of this anuran population. Although, species for fun. One method species. there is Government ban on is by putting a straw in the - Introduction of many frog’s dissection, still there are cloeca, particularly in case of genetically modified crops such few Institutions which are not U. systoma and blowing air as BT Cotton, Brinjal, Tomato, aware of this and are still using in the body until it bursts and certain varieties of wheat and these tiny creatures in the animal is dead. Rice etc in the recent past in the practical class rooms. These are certain threats
Image 8. Spherotheca rolandae Image 9. Uperodon systoma
13 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 which were observed by the Indian Reptiles and Amphibians. practicals in laboratories. Frog investigators during the field Bombay Natural History Society leg 14: 27–30. observations. & Oxford University Press, Sathyanarayana, M.C. (2010b). Mumbai, viii+238pp. Response to Dr. S.K. Dutta’s Daniels, R.J.R. (2005). article. Frog leg 14: 31–32. Conservation strategies Amphibians of Peninsular India. Sharma, K.K. & P. Dube The anuran fauna are facing Indian Academy of Sciences, (2005). Distribution pattern serious threats and need Bangalore & Universities Press, of amphibian biodiversity special conservation efforts Hyderabad, xii+268pp+56pl. in southeastern plateau of particularly in the areas outside Dutta, S.K. (1992). Amphibians Rajasthan, India. Indian Journal from India and Sri Lanka of Environmental Science 9(1): the protected areas. The (Checklist and Bibliography). 35–38. authors in collaboration with Odyssey Publishing House, Sharma, K.K. & S.N. Khan environment awareness and Bhubaneshwar, India, (2002). Amphibian biodiversity animal welfare organizations xiii+342pp. of fluoride rich areas of such as Save Environment and Heron, A.M. (1953). Geology of Rajasthan. National Seminar Welfare of Animals (SEWA) and Central Rajasthan. Memoirs of on Biodiversity and Sustainable Rajputana Society of Natural the Geological Survey of India Use of Bio resources, Barkatulla 79: 339. University, Bhopal, Madhya History (RSNH) are developing IUCN (2009). IUCN Red List of Pradesh, 127pp. awareness activities to prevent Threatened Species. Version Sharma, K.K. & S.P. Mehra all the above described threats. 2009. 1.
Potential threat from an exotic introduced amphibian
In the last six months, there is an increase in the import of the African Clawed Frog Xenopus laevis by the aquarium trade into India. Preliminary studies conducted in Pune, Mumbai and Chennai indicate several hundred individuals brought into the country and sold to several hobbyists. It has also come to our attention that some of these fish hobbyists are unable to keep these albino African Clawed Frogs due to their aggressive nature in aquariums and are releasing them into the wild. One hobbyist approached an ANSA member to help release this frog into the wild near Pune. If any of you do come across this species being sold in your cities/towns, please bring it to our attention.
ANSA is putting together an appeal to the aquarium traders and hobbyists and also to the policy makers at the central and state governments to educate and impose a ban on trade of this species and other non-native amphibians into the country. Release of such species into the wild is potentially dangerous as they could: (i) Become invasive species impacting native amphibians and fish, and/or (ii) Introduce the dreaded Batrachochytrium dendrobitidis (chytrid) fungus into the wild, which could impact the native frog populations.
We request the ANSA members and others to join us in tackling this potential threat. Please join the Alien Invasive Amphibians - Indian Action Initiative (AIA-IAI) at ANSA/ASG-South Asia regional network by contacting Sanjay Molur, Co-chair of ANSA/ASG-South Asia network
15 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 Male Territorial combat in bush frogs of these costs and benefits are Western Ghats defined in terms of fitness. Males of some territorial KP. Dinesh 1, Nirmal U. Kulkarni 2, K.V. Gururaja 3 & species produce calls C. Radhakrishnan 4 when another male is seen within its territory. These 1,4 Western Ghat Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Calicut, vocalizations are distinct from Kerala 673006, India the advertisement calls and 2 Hiru Naik Bldg, Dhuler Mapusa, Goa 403507, India have been referred to as the 3 Centre for infrastructure, Sustainable Transport and Urban Planning territorial or ‘encounter call’ (CiSTUP), Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560012, (Mc Diarmid & Adler 1974) or India the ‘short-distance aggressive Email: 1 [email protected] (corresponding author) call’ (Salthe & Mecham 1974). In broader terms, both the Amphibian research in through vocal calls is the above types of calls are known Western Ghats has been picking initiation of mate attraction as ‘aggressive calls’ (Wells & up momentum in the recent and territoriality. Among the Schwartz 1984; Narins et al. past (Dinesh et al. 2009) with male’s competition for a mate 1998). the amalgamation of classical (female) is intensified by virtue In most of the anurans, systematics with the advent of instinct. Hence, males must during breeding period, males of newer technologies like demonstrate their relative establish and maintain their acoustics and molecular biology. superiority over other males own territories to facilitate New species of amphibians are by having a stronger voice, a attraction of females mates described at a regular pace high quality territory or more (Littlejohn 1977). Wherever from this biogeographic zone, aggressive display (Roy 1996). territoriality is evident in requiring information on their Access to females often limits anurans, two groups of frogs ecology, natural history and male reproduction, and male are noticed. One male frog with breeding biology. territory possession by males territorial defense and the other Anurans are the first may provide better access to male frog without territorial vertebrates to have vocalization; mates (Wells 1977). defense are categorized. Male acoustics is playing a key role In general, territorial animals frogs defending territoriality in anuran reproduction and to a guard reproductive (courtship, may be of ‘resource-defence little extent for communication. mating and egg laying) sites territorial’ (RD-territorial) or Vocal calls made by anurans for space and feeding sites for ‘noresource territorial’ (NR- may be mating call, resources. Territoriality occurs territorial) (Heying 2001). advertisement call, territorial when some or all activity of Territory borders and even call, release call, reciprocal call resident individuals is restricted interiors are repeatedly fought or distress call (McDiarmid & to a resource containing over by the same males. Fights Adler 1974; Salthe & Mecham area that is defended by the include male–male amplexus, 1974; Littlejohn 1977; Wells resident, when the resident belly-to-belly wrestling, 1977; Roy 1996). advertises its presence in the tumbling, leaping onto one For external appearance, area, and when the resident another and chasing (Heying reproduction initiates with has essentially exclusive use 2001). courtship, and communication of the area (Brown 1964), and In August 2004, while
16 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 the other male (Male-B). The male which attacked (Male-A) the other individual was trying to hold the vocal sac from behind. At this time, both the individuals had swollen vocal sacs but there was no audible voice from them. It is also interesting to mention here that before this combat both males had their vocal sacs turning to light pink from their usual yellow color. This could be due to higher blood circulation to the vocal sacs. The Male-B tried to slip away from the attacking Male-A. After slipping away from Male-A, Male-B attacked Male-A back by lifting its forelimbs and showing the swollen vocal sac. The males also tried to dislodge from the perched height (Image 1). Image 1. Male, male combat in Raorchestes luteolus Finally the Male-B moved away from the region where the estimating the population between the individuals at Male-A was calling. This entire dynamics and breeding the initial stage of calling was male combat lasted for about behavior in Raorchestes ~5m. As the call intensified 20 min. During this period luteolus, male-male combat by 1830hr, Male-A climbed female was not seen anywhere was observed at Sharavathi to a newer height of about a close to these male individuals Wildlife Sanctuary (130738333N meter (3m from the ground) and we did not see whether the & 750108333E), Shimoga, from its earlier position and Male-A or Male-B got amplexed Karnataka. Occasional calls of started calling. The Male-B with a female or not. males of R. luteolus were heard moving in the direction of the In July, 2009, during one in the evening (1600–1800 calling Male-A, perched almost of our field expeditions for hr). The calling individuals at equal height and started amphibian search at Tambdi increased soon after the dusk calling. By 1900hr, they had (1504093N & 74020107E), at 1800hr. We observed two exchanged about 15 calls each. Surla Village in the outskirts male individuals that exhibited By this time both the individuals of the Mollem National Park in male-male combat. The first were within 30cm from each Sanguem Taluka, South Goa male (Male-A) called from a other. As soon as they saw District, we noticed the activity height of ~2m from the ground each other, one of the males of bush frogs, Pseudophilautus and the other male (Male-B) changed its calling pattern amboli, on a small laterite rock responded to it. The distance (Male-A) and moved towards in an areca plantation. Here
17 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 we report our observations on the territorial defense displays exhibited by the species. In this species, male individuals start making vocalizations from the shrubs and bushes during the dusk hours. The calls were not of a chorus pattern and different individual call at different intervals. Two male individuals (Male-C and Male-D), one with light (Male-C) and the other with dark brown dorsum (Male-D); and distinct lemon yellow throat with blackish specks were noticed calling aggressively in high pitch when compared to other calling males in the Image 2. Male, male combat in Pseudophilautus amboli vicinity and approaching each other. On encountering each other, Male-C mounted Male-D, We could not observe them ended up in a synchrony. In holding at the groin region and further since they fell off from one such chorus, two males started pressing the other male the laterite rock in to darkness. were found to be holding each to the laterite rock with the hind At this time, Raorchestes other ventrally and were trying legs, arresting its vocalization. bombayensis was also heard to press the inflated vocal sacs This combat continued for a calling. of each other. During this few minutes. Mean while, the During June 2010, in one fighting, both fell off the shrub stronger Male-D escaped out of our amphibian works in the and got lost in the darkness. of the amplex of Male-C and fringe areas of Bhadra Wildlife turned the Male-C upside down. Sanctuary at Kemmanugundi Discussion During this combat, both the (130521667N & 750758333E) The Amboli Bush Frog P. Male-C and D fell from the (Dinesh et al. 2010), amboli was described in 2009 laterite rock to the land which Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, we by Biju & Bossuyt from the was about 1m below. During noticed the male, male combat Amboli Ghats of Maharashtra the fall from the rock, both the in Raorchestes chromasynchysi. and is considered as a Critically males continued their combat, Around 1900hr, two adult Endangered species (CR) turning positions and pressing males of R. chromasynchysi (IUCN 2010). Our study in the vocal sacs of each other, were located about 2m above Amboli and Goa suggests preventing vocalization (Image ground level on a shrub inside this species to be one of the 2). This fighting lasted for only the forest. Calling pattern in commonest species of bush a few minutes with attempts to this species was the chorus frogs available from Amboli to prevent each other from calling call where all the individuals Castle Rock of Uttarkannada, and as well kicking each other. started calling together and Karnataka, through all along
18 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 the Goa forests. Our present Dinesh, K.P., C. Radhakrishnan, Herpetologica 30: 75–78. report is a new record and K.V. Gururaja & G. Bhatta Narins, P., M. Feng, H.S. Yong range extension of this species (2009). An annotated checklist & J. Christensen-Dalsgaard of Amphibia of India with some (1998). Morphological, from its type locality to Castle insights into the patterns of behavioral and genetic Rock. species discoveries, distribution divergence of sympatric Male, male combat in R. and endemism. Records of morphotypes of the Tree Frog chromasynchysi resembled the Zoological Survey of India, Polypedates leucomystax pattern of combat described Occasional Paper No. (302): in Peninsular Malaysia. by Sarkar & Deuti (2007) for 1–152pp. Herpetologica 54: 129–142. Dinesh, K.P., C. Radhakrishnan, Roy, D. (1996). Courtship in R. annandalii from Darjeeling, K.V. Gururaja & M.J. Palot frogs. Resonance (December): West Bengal. (2010). Range extension of 39-48. Territorial defense of frogs in Raorchestes chromasynchysi Salthe, S.N. & J.S. Mecham the Oriental region is not well (Biju and Bossuyt) (Amphibia: (1974). Reproductive and documented, except for a few. Anura: Rhacophoridae) in courtship patterns, pp. 309– Male-male wrestling in bush Western Ghats, India. Records 521. In: Lofts, B. (ed.). The frogs that was first described of the Zoological Survey of India Physiology of the Amphibian. 110(Part-4): 1–5. Academic Press, New York. in India by Kadadevaru & Heying, H.E. (2001). Social and Sarkar, A. & K. Deuti. (2007). Kanamadi (2001) in Philautus reproductive behaviour in the Wrestling for territorial defense variabilis (now Raorchestes Madagascan poison frog, Mantella in Philautus annandalli. bombayensis) around laevigata, with comparisons Hamadryad 35(2): 367–368. Karnataka University Campus, to the dendrobatids. Animal. Wells, K.D. & J.J. Schwartz Dharawad, Karnataka and later Behaviour 61: 567–577. (1984). Vocal communication IUCN (2010). IUCN Red List of in a neotropical treefrog, Hyla Sarkar & Deuti (2007) reported Threatened Species. Version ebraccata: aggressive calls. for Raorchestes annandalii 2010.4.
19 frog leg | #17 | November 2011
New record of Roland’s Burrowing Frog Dorsal view Sphaerotheca rolandae (Dubois, 1983) (Dicroglossidae: Anura) from Uttar Pradesh, India
V.D. Hegde 1 & S. Roy 2
1,2 Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700053, India Email: 1 [email protected] (corresponding author)
Roland’s Burrowing Frog Systematic Account Sphaerotheca rolandae Class: Amphibia Family: Dicroglossidae Anderson (Dubois, 1983) was earlier Sub-family: Dicroglossinae Anderson reported from Andhra Pradesh, Genus: Sphaerotheca Gunther Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Sphaerotheca rolandae (Dubois) Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Srinivasulu et al. 2006; Dinesh Synonyms: et al. 2009). This species is 1983. Rana(Tomopterna) widely distributed over much of breviceps rolandae Dubois, India and Sri Lanka. Its natural Alytes, 2: 166. habitats are subtropical or 1987. Tomopterna (Sphaerotheca) rolandae tropical dry forests, subtropical Ventral view or tropical dry shrubland, Dubois, “1986”, Alytes, 5 :57. Image 1. Roland’s Burrowing Frog and intermittent freshwater 1999.S p h a e r o t h e c a Sphaerotheca rolandae marshes. It is a largely sub- rolandae-Dubois, Journal of fossorial species found in loose South Asian Natural History 4 soil within dry forest, shrubland : 8. the species by the following and agricultural areas. Adults characteristics assigned by can be found in cracks in mud Material examined: Dubois (1983). and inside sand heaps. It is an 2 ex., 18.ix.2011, Ganga Dorsally uniformly grey, explosive breeder in temporary river basin, Ballia District, sometimes indistinctly marbled monsoon pools. No reports were Uttar Pradesh, India (Reg. with dark brown; limbs with or available on the occurrence of No: A11309 and A1131); 3 ex. without darker cross bands; this species from Uttar Pradesh 19.ix.2010, Forest Nursery, upper surface of thigh black state. While undertaking the (Reg. No: A11261, A11262 and spotted or marbled with white; general faunistic survey of A11271), coll. V.D. Hegde and ventral side whitish. Skin Ballia District (25047’47.7’’N & party. The specimen collected finely granulate on dorsal side, 84007’42.4’’E) Uttar Pradesh, is deposited in the national strongly curved glandular fold five examples of Sphaerotheca collections of Amphibia section from the eye to the shoulder rolandae were collected, which of Zoological survey of India, distinct, skin on belly and lower constitutes the new record from Kolkata surface of thighs granulate. Uttar Pradesh (Image 1). We were able to determine Head convex, broader than
20 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 long, nostrils equidistant from upper eyelid in S. rolandae. species discoveries, distribution tip of the eye and the tip of the Tympanum, distinct, about two and endemism. Records of the snout; snout rounded, slightly thirds the diameter of the eye Zoological Survey of India, Occasional Paper No. 302: projecting beyond the mouth; in S. breviceps and tympanum 1-153 inter-orbital width broader is half the diameter of the eye Frost, D.R. (2011). Amphibian than that of upper eyelid; in S. rolandae. Subarticular Species of the World: an tympanum distinct, nearly half tubercles moderate in S. Online Reference. Version the diameter of the eye, fingers breviceps but subarticular 5.5 (31 January,2011). free, first much longer than tubercles small in S. rolandae. Electronic Database accessible at http://research.amnh.org/ the second, tips moderately vz/herpetology/amphibia/ swollen, sub-articular tubercles Distribution American Museum of Natural small, prominent; prominent India: Andhra Pradesh, History, New York, USA. metacarpal tubercles present, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Srinivasulu, C., B. Srinivasulu & inner metatarsal tubercle Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and C.A.N. Rao (2006). Amphibian shovel shaped, large being Uttar Pradesh (Ballia district). fauna of Nagarjunasagar longer than the first toe, outer Elsewhere: Sri Lanka (Frost Srisailam tiger Reserve, Andhra Pradesh. Records of metatarsal tubercle absent, 2011). the Zoological Survey of India, tibiotarsal articulation reaches Occasional Paper No. 245: posterior corner of the eye, Remark 1-57+4pp pls. tibiotarsal tubercle prominent. The collection of 05 examples Further, this species can of Sphaerotheca rolandae from Acknowledgements be differentiated by its closely Ganga river basin Ballia and related species Sphaerotheca Forest Nursery, Ballia District, I am thankful to the Director, breviceps by some of these Uttar Pradesh state constitutes Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata characters. Colour is pale to the new record for the state for the facilities. I am greatful to the Principal Chief Conservator dark brown grey on the dorsal Uttar Pradesh. of Forests (PCCF) and Wildlife side in S. breviceps, whereas warden, Uttar Pradesh state for dorsally uniformly grey and References the permission given to conduct indistinctly marbled with the survey and to collect the dark brown in S. rolandae. Dinesh, K.P., C. Radhakrishnan samples. Thanks are also due K.V. Gururaja & G.K. Bhatta Interorbital space narrower to Shri Ganesh Bhat, D.F.O. Ballia (2009). An annotated checklist than the upper eyelid in S. and to all the forest department of Amphibia of India with some officials who have cooperated breviceps but broader than the insights into the pattern of during our survey.
21 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 Record of Kaloula assamensis (Das et al., 2004) Das et al. (2004) and Sengupta (Anura: Microhylidae) from Bongagaon District, et al. (2009). It is described that a Kaloula assamensis Assam, India possesses dorsally dark-brown with a dark-edged, yellow Anukul Nath 1,2, Firoz Ahmed 1 & Hilloljyoti Singha 1,3 vertebral stripe, commencing
1 Aaranyak, 50, Samanwoy Path, Survey, P.O. Beltola, Guwahati, from snout tip and ending near Assam 781028, India the vent; a dark-bordered, 2 Department of Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College (Autonomous), broad, orange-brown stripe on Mannampandal, Tamilnadu 609305, India either lateral side, extending 3 Centre for Biodiversity & Natural Resources Conservation, Assam from the post ocular region to University, Silchar, Assam 788011, India the inguinal region (Image 1). Email: 3 [email protected] (corresponding author) However, the present specimen did not have continuous “broad On 22 December 2009, location was an edge between orange brown stripe on either we found an unknown frog at the slope of the hill and an lateral side” (Images 2 a,b). Nakkati Hill (26024’37.62”N & agricultural land comprising of Four species of Kaloula has 90031’36.21”E), Bongaigaon winter vegetables. There was a been reported from India District at about 1100hr. It stream at the distance of 100m (Das et al. 2004; Sengupta et was drizzling. The frog was flowing by. We searched it out al. 2009). Among the three accidentally seen when we were and photographed. It seemed species of Kaloula reported climbing the hill, and hid itself to be Kaloula assamensis which from northeastern India, viz., beneath herbaceous cover. The resembled the description of K. assamensis, K. pulchra and
Image 1. Kaloula assamensis. Source: Sengupta et al. (2009)
22 frog leg | #17 | November 2011
Image 2. Recorded specimen at Nakkati hill, Bongaigaon district, Assam. (a) lateral view, (b) dorsal view.
K. taprobanica (Sengupta et al. (Sengupta et al. 2009). The 15–16. 2009), Kaloula assamensis can earlier individuals were sighted Talukdar, S., R. Soud & K. Deuti be distinguished from others during the months of June and (2007). Range extension of the Assam Painted Frog, Kaloula by “Medium size, snout about July. However, we encountered assamensis Das et al. (Anura: half of the head length, strong the species in winter during Microhylidae) to the western tympanic fold, toe web I1½- December. It might be due to Assam. Cobra 1: 18–20. 2II1½-2½III1½-2IV2-1½V the diminutive rain occurred Sengupta, S., A. Das, S. Das, (Sengupta et al. 2009). that day. B. Hussain, S.K. Choudhury Kaloula assamensis, a rare &S. Dutta (2009). Taxonomy and Biogeography of Kaloula and data-deficient species References Species of Eastern India. The (Ahmed et al. 2008), has Natural History Journal of Ahmed, F., A. Das & S.K. Dutta been reported from only four Chulalongkorn University 9(2): (2009). Amphibians and localities so far in Assam and one 209–222. Reptiles of North East India: A each in the state of Arunachal Photograpahic Guide. Aaranyak, Pradesh and West Bengal (Das Guwahati, 170pp. Acknowledgement et al. 2004; Paul et al. 2007; Das, I., S. Sengupta, M.F. We are thankful to Bedabrata Talukdar et al. 2007; Sengupta Ahmed & S.K. Dutta (2004). Singha and Prabir Roy Pathak, et al. 2009). Ours is the fifth A new species of Kaloula students and Dr. Ranu Roy, addition to the records. The (Microhylidae) from Assam Associate Professor of Birjhora State, north-eastern India. global distribution of the species Mahavidyalaya, Bongaigaon for Hamadryad 29: 101–109. seems to be restricted to the their help in the Nakati Hill. We Paul, S., M.C. Biswas & K. Deuti also like to thank Mr. Dharani north bank of the Brahmaputra (2007). First record of the 0 0 Shakia for providing opportunity river from 92 52’N & 89 25’E Assam Painted Frog K a l o u l a to be a part of the trip. and may occur in low elevation assamensis (Das et al. 2004) areas of Indo-Bhutan Border from West Bengal. Cobra 1:
23 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 A large new striped ichthyophiid caecilian Natural History Museum, discovered from the Western Ghats London, in recognition of his contributions to Indian K.P. Dinesh 1 & Gopalakrishna Bhatta 2 caecilian studies. This species is one of the largest known 1 Zoological Survey of India, Marine Biological Regional Centre, yellow striped caecilians from 130, Santhome High Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028, India the Western Ghats (Bhatta et 2 Department of Biology, BASE Educational Service Pvt. Ltd., al. 2011). Our field studies Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004, India suggest that this is one of the Email: 1 [email protected] (corresponding author) rare species found in these regions due to the fact that, In a joint effort by the Belgaum have discovered a to sample six animals it took researchers of the Department new species of limbless yellow three monsoon cycles between of Biology, BASE Educational striped caecilian from Chorla the year 2008 and 2010. Services Pvt. Ltd, Bengaluru; Ghats, Belgaum District of During the peak rainy periods Zoological Survey of India, Karnataka. we have noticed them below Western Ghat Regional Centre, The new species Ichthyophis the decaying debris around Calicut; Agumbe Rainforest davidi (Image 1) is named in the human habitations. The Research Station, Agumbe honour of Dr. David Gower, specimens were collected below and Mhadei Research Centre, Department of Zoology, The the decaying paddy straw heaps
Image 1. Ichthyophis davidi
24 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 Karnataka parts of Western Ghats suggest that there are few more apodans new to science awaiting taxonomic descriptions.
References
Bhatta, G., K.P. Dinesh, P. Prashanth, N.U. Kulkarni & C. Radhakrishnan (2011). A new caecilian Ichthyophis davidi sp. nov. (Gymnophiona: Ichthyophiidae): The largest striped caecilian from Western Image 2. The decaying paddy straw heap where the new species was collected from. Ghats. Current Science 101(8): 1015–1019. Dinesh, K.P. & C. Radhakrishnan (Image 2) at the backyard of a N) Western Ghats to northern (2011) Checklist of amphibians cow farm adjacent to forested Western Ghats (15.6577 N). of Western Ghats. Frog leg 16: area (Image 3). Since 1999, a total of 14 15–20. Myers, N., R.A. Mittermeier, Caecilian research on these species of Apodans under the G.A.B. da Fonseca & J. yellow striped little known genus Gegeneophis (eight Kent (2000). Biodiversity subterranean creatures in species), Indotyphlus (one hotspots for conservation Western Ghats way back to species), Ichthyophis (two priorities. Nature 403: 853– Peters work in 1879 with the species) and Uraeotyphlus 857. description of Ichthyophis (three species) are described beddomei from Nilgiri hills of from Western Ghats. Our Tamil Nadu. In 1909, Annandale regular expeditions in Goa and described tricoloured form of striped caecilian I. tricolor from Thiruvanathapuram, Image 3. Human altered landscape where the species was collected from adjacent to a forest. Kerala. Then, I. longicephalus was discovered from Silent Valley in 1986 by Pillai and I. kodaguensis was discovered by Wilkinson and team from Coorg and the bordering districts of Karnataka and Kerala. The present description of I. davidi from Chorla Ghats bordering Goa and Karnataka extends the known striped Ichthyophis distribution range from southern and Central (8.9537 to 13.46
25 frog leg | #17 | November 2011 Some frogs of Coorg
Sachin Rai [email protected]
I am always amazed by the natural diversity in our country and particularly love frogs - their vibrant colours and cool adaptations make them intriguing subjects. I started Raorchestes akroparallagi © Sachin Rai photographing frogs in 2003 and realized there was almost no resource material available on frogs and it didn’t have the glamour quotient that some of the bigger species commanded. These creatures appealed to me and I started venturing out in search of them. North East India and the Western Ghats are two places having fascinating amphibian diversity and I have had a great time exploring these areas. I shoot with a 100mm macro lens and it helps me get good clean shots of frogs which are otherwise difficult to photograph because of the weather and light conditions. Initially, it was Raorchestes luteolus © Sachin Rai tough getting frogs identified solely from the pictures. Then I started interacting with scientists working on frogs and also going through published scientific papers. Eventually, it became relatively easy for me to identify them, though I yet have many un-IDed species. In my opinion frogs remain less explored and much less appreciated and my endeavour is to get people excited about
26
Raorchestes tuberochumerus © Sachin Rai frog leg | #17 | November 2011
Raorchestes charius © Sachin Rai
these interesting characters. I am keen to document as many aspects of nature as I can and share these with fellow nature lovers. You can be a part of this through my website: www.landofthewild.com
This is first in the series of articles from this author in FrogLeg.
27
Raorchestes glandulosus © Sachin Rai frog leg | #17 | November 2011
Hylarana temporalis © Sachin Rai
ISSN: 2230-7060 (online) No. 17 | November 2011 Editor: Sanjay Molur frog leg Date of publication: 22 November 2011 Edtorial Advisor: Sally Walker
ANSA and ASG-SA Co-chairs: Sanjay Molur & Karthikeyan Vasudevan
frog leg is the Newsletter of the Amphibian Network of South Asia (ANSA) and the Amphibian Specialist Group-South Asia (ASG-SA)
frog leg is published by WILD, ZOO and CBSG-SA as a service to the amphibian conservation community as well as conservation actioners and enthusiasts of South Asia.
Amphibian Network of South Asia c/o Zoo Outreach Organisation/WILD PB 1683, 9-A Lal Bahadur Colony, Gopal Nagar, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641004, India. Ph: +91 422 2561743, 2561087; Fax: +91 422 2563269 Email: [email protected]
frog leg is available online at www.zoosprint.org/Newsletters/frogleg.htm OPEN ACCESS | FREE DOWNLOAD
28