Herpetofauna Survey in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

A herpetofaunal survey was conducted in the Masinagudi Division of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) from 7th to 9 September,2024. A total of 33 reptiles and 36 amphibians were identified in this study showcasing the diversity in species. Intuitively, you might think four of these species are utterly new to science.

Survey Details of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

• The survey, was headed by Deputy Director Arun Kumar P. and Field Director D. Venkatesh took stock of herpetofauna at the reserve for the first time in full scale.
• Two geckos, one skink and a frog (Sphaerotheca) from the genus are among four species that were new to science. 
• More taxonomic and molecular studies are required in order to validate these new species.
• The survey further detected the cave dancing frog and another Indidraneil's night frog along with some threatened ones.
• Some other significant species are the Crotalus body, Daboia russelii and Naja up..SetKeyName coral snakePrinted king cobra ,downcrine burrowing lizard
• Masinagudi Division in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is ecologically significant of its presence, forests and shrub jungles.
• Future planned surveys intended to access more difficult-to-reach areas and species during dry conditions
• The MTR has 55 recorded reptile and 39 amphibian species, so the findings of this survey are critical to ensure their survival.