Something to croak about
All extant species of amphibians in the country featured in a new field guide
The green beauty with the lovely eyes on the cover beckons even those not too fond of its kind to take a closer look. The Leaf- nesting Shrub Frog heralds the publication of ‘A Photographic Field Guide to the Amphibians of Sri Lanka’ by Dr. Anslem de Silva, Dr. Kanishka Ukuwela and Dr. Dilan Chaturanga.
Dr. de Silva is Co- Chairman, Amphibian Specialist Group, IUCN/SSC (International Union for Conservation of Nature/ Species Survival Commission), Sri Lanka & Past Chairperson, Declining Amphibian Populations Task Force, IUCN/ SSC Working Group, Sri Lanka, while Dr. Ukuwela is a Senior Lecturer at the Rajarata University, Anuradhapura; and Dr. Chaturanga a Lecturer at the Ruhuna University, Matara.
“The amphibian fauna of Sri Lanka is one of the best in the world. We have the richest in amphibian diversity per unit area of land in the world,” says Dr. de Silva.
Quoting several studies, however, he laments that the rate of depletion of forests and wild life habitats for agriculture, human settlements and development in Sri Lanka is considered one of the highest in South Asia. There is fragmenting and reduction in the natural habitats of animals. Increasing temperatures and decreasing annual rainfall, meanwhile, are also impacting adversely on amphibians.
Pointing out that the guide is intended for both naturalists and visitors to Sri Lanka, the authors say it features all the extant species of amphibians in the country, with colour photographs and quick and easy tips for identification.
At the time of writing the guide, 120 species had been recorded.
The guide provides a general introduction to amphibians, a profile of the physiographic, climatic and vegetation features of the country, key characteristics that can be used in the identification of amphibians and descriptions of each extant amphibian species.
It also presents information on amphibian conservation and gives a glimpse into the folklore surrounding them and traditional treatment methods for poisoning due to amphibians.
The species descriptions are arranged under their higher taxonomic groups (orders and families) and further grouped in their respective genera. These descriptions are in alphabetical order by their scientific names, with one or more colour photograph for every species along with the vernacular name in English and Sinhala, the current scientific name, a brief history of the species, the identification features and details of habitat, habits and distribution in Sri Lanka and outside.
For the quick identification of the amphibian in the field, the body form, skin texture and colouration are provided.
Dr. de Silva says that as amphibians cannot be captured or removed from their natural habitats without permission, according to Sri Lanka’s wildlife laws, the guide is not comprehensive and specialist readers should confirm details of identification with more technical works.
The guide has been published by John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd., and is available at Vijitha Yapa Bookshops.
It also presents information on amphibian conservation and gives a glimpse into the folklore surrounding them and traditional treatment methods for poisoning due to amphibians