Amidst all the worry that lies related to climate change around us, Robin Suyesh, Amphibian Biologist and Assistant Professor at Sri Venkateswara College found new species of amphibians which might just be the ray of hope we all need.
As reported by The Times of India (TOI), an amphibian survey conducted in the Aravalli Biodiversity Park showed the existence of four new species of frogs called Nepal’s Wart Frog, Indian Toad, Indus Valley Toad and, Indian Burrowing Frog. Along with these, the four species which were discovered earlier were the Bull Frog (largest frog in India), Indian Skipper Frog, Narrow-mouthed Frog (smallest land vertebrate from Delhi) and Pierrei’s Wart Frog.
According to the research, amphibians are an important part of an ecosystem as they are considered to be environmental indicators. Their semi-permeable skin makes them highly susceptible to pollution and their presence indicates a relatively healthy ecosystem. They also play a very important role in the food chain as they consume insects and control their population, and are also sources of food for carnivores like reptiles and birds.
In his survey report, Robin Suyesh said, “Amphibians in urban areas are currently facing a major crisis of habitat loss, split and fragmentation. But it was the habitat restoration work done by ecologist Vijay Dhasmana that has led to this change.” He also added that the park already has basic requirements to sustain amphibian life, and over the years, efforts have been made to provide shelter from excessive heat, dryness, predators and, spaces for hibernation.
According to Suyesh, no other habitat in the National Capital Region (NCR) currently shows such a high diversity of amphibians, and the Aravalli Biodiversity Park is among the best habitats that can support amphibians.
The survey report also suggested that the conservation efforts for amphibians must protect all the aspects of the habitat they need, thus it is very important to preserve the water-bodies and adjoining terrestrial habitat in the Aravalli Biodiversity Park to prevent them from becoming locally extinct.
Feature Image Credits: Business Standard
Akshat Arora
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