Sri Lanka AARK Amphibian Conservation Planning Tool Master
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Amphibian Ark species prioritization workshop Page 1 Species in the In Situ Conservation Role 22 species Species for which mitigation of threats in the wild may still bring about their successful conservation. Species Threat Mitigation Protected Comments Habitat Nannophrys marmorata Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Record of 21 dead specimens in one location (Knuckles, Pitawala Pathana). Record of another local extinction (3 years ago) owing to Forestry Department habitat modifications (Mohomad Bahir knows the record site - [email protected]) but apparently has been recorded recently (wet season). Easy to reverse the threat (return the rocks back and protect the the microhabitat). In situ work is possible to reverse the threats. Tadpoles with semi- terrestrial behaviour; living on wet rock films (only a few species have this adaptation). There is a tourism development that use the frog as an attraction but it's not dependant on the frog. Educational potential: uniqueness of the tadpoles, Knuckles area should be using the species as a flagship to protect them and the habitat. Adenomus kandianus Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Mendis Wickramasinghe ([email protected]) presented the re-discovery of the species. Paper in process. One location in a protected habitat. 60 individuals in an area of 100 m2. No indications of threats except the limited factor of small single population. Considerations to suggest to protect the area for long-term conservation. The 60 individuals were recorded after several days of survey. Educational potential: rediscovery of extinct frog. Microhyla karunaratnei Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Disagreement between possibility of reversing the threats in time. Sites where it is found are ecologically very different. Anslem de Silva- has recorded this spp. in long cultivated plantations but currently no clear understanding of stability of populations. Propose need for research to continue monitoring populations inhuman modified habitats (Anslem de Silva - [email protected]). Philautus macropus Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Highland frog living on the peaks. Its believed the area of occupancy is bigger. Potentially downlist to Endangered. Philautus ocularis Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Species could be affected by climate change. Philautus procax Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Still only one known location. Philautus simba Threats are reversible in time frame Yes High elevation species. Philautus asankai Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Species is dispersing into human modified habitats. Good analogue for breeding P. hoffmanni. Good display species (colourful and display during the day). 11/18/2009 Amphibian Ark species prioritization workshop Page 2 Species Threat Mitigation Protected Comments Habitat Philautus decoris Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Taxonomy review (one location for one species). Species mostly present on private land without special care for the protection (Morningside) but protecting the site will assure the species. Bred in captivity. Philautus fulvus Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Forest fires is an additional threat in Knuckles. Record of 20 individuals in Riverstone in an area of 10 x 10m (published). They're found in anthropogenic habitats (even in toilets). Malformations in this species has been published. Looks like the Polypedates maculatus (being found in toilets too) and both "urinate" when jumping to escape and people believe the urine can cause infection. Philautus limbus Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Different colour varieties shown to be one species by genetic work (Madhava Meegaskumbura - [email protected]). Found throughout southwestern hills but in one locality after 5 days of survey only one specimen was found. Philautus mooreorum Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Multiple locations in Knuckles Peaks but doesn't effect overall occurrence. Climate change issues affecting the species too. Philautus pleurotaenia Threats are reversible in time frame No Two new locations to add in the distribution (total of four) - only known protected area frogs are actually found outside. Good display spp as colourful. Husbandry analogue for P.hoipolloi. Philautus sarasinorum Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Forest species. New localities known - Imesh Nuwan Bandara ([email protected]). Philautus steineri Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Philautus tanu Threats are reversible in time frame Yes All sites are protected, though a forest edge species - see draft Red List Assessement. Philautus zorro Threats are reversible in time frame Yes New threat domestic/feral cats. Husbandry analogue for P.cuspis. Ramanella palmata Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Lead contamination of water a new threat, blowing in from the cities and pecticides. Hylarana aurantiaca Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Species' is likely a 3 species complex. A paper is in process that will shed light on this. Severity of threats are therefore unknown due to the uncertainty over taxonomy Harvested eggs have been reared up to adults in captivity. Ichthyophis orthoplicatus Threats are reversible in time frame No Not recorded in protected areas - Mohomad Bahir ([email protected]). Before strawberry season starts they treat the soil with insecticide which has been shown to kill the caecilians (Anslem de Silva - [email protected]). Philautus hallidayi Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Located along stream beds of tropical forest. Very uncommon in small sites. Educational value: in a large display exhibit of amphibians it would be a good example for rock/camouflage species and unique lifestyle on rocks. 11/18/2009 Amphibian Ark species prioritization workshop Page 3 Species Threat Mitigation Protected Comments Habitat Ramanella nagaoi Threats are reversible in time frame Yes There are several new locations recorded since the last review (even in lowlands). Approximately 10 new locations. Locally very common. Populations depend a lot on the availability of tree holes in the forest. There is competition with tree breeding crab for the tree holes. If there is not logging the habitat is good for them. Contact person Madura de Silva ([email protected]). Pilot study of creating artificial holes for breeding. Studies running on tadpole feeding. Commensalism between a tarantula and the frog (debris of the spider feed the tadpoles). Analogue species for R. palmata. Educational value: easy to display the eggs and tadpoles therefore an opportunity to demonstrate the breeding biology and an example of conservation intervention. 11/18/2009 Amphibian Ark species prioritization workshop Page 4 11/18/2009 Amphibian Ark species prioritization workshop Page 5 11/18/2009 Amphibian Ark species prioritization workshop Page 6 11/18/2009.