Published Works

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2024

1 Population genetics of gharial Gavialis gangeticus in the Chambal River, India, using novel polymorphic microsatellite markers

The gharial Gavialis gangeticus is a Critically Endangered crocodylian endemic to the Indian subcontinent. The species has experienced a 95% population decline over the past 2 centuries. The largest self-sustaining population inhabits the protected National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS) in north India and represents >80% of extant gharials globally. We developed de novo a panel of polymorphic gharial-specific microsatellites, using whole genome information and microsatellite search tools. These 15 new markers have multiple numbers of polymorphic alleles that are more informative than those obtained from previous studies. Analyses of 93 scute samples collected across age classes from wild gharials residing in the NCS facilitated accurate assessments of genetic diversity and inbreeding coefficient and identified a historical bottleneck event. Estimates of the observed and expected heterozygosities were lower than those reported earlier. The inbreeding coefficient was low, and the population did not deviate significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The calculated M ratio and 2 heterozygosity tests detected a genetic bottleneck, which is consistent with historic sharp declines in population size, followed by recent recovery. These new gharial microsatellite markers are statistically robust and provide an improved means to assess the population genetics of the largest self-sustaining wild gharial population. This study will facilitate additional investigations on the genetic diversity of other extant gharial populations—not only the few remaining wild populations but also those in zoos and rearing facilities. Additional genetic studies of gharial in the NCS are warranted to inform management strategies.

2 Comparative proteomics of geographically distinct saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) venoms from India.

Snakebite is a socio-economic problem in tropical countries and it is exacerbated by geographical venom variation of snakes. We investigated on venom variation in geographically distinct populations of Echis carinatus from three ecologically distinct regions: Tamil Nadu (ECVTN), Goa (ECVGO), and Rajasthan (ECVRAJ). Venom was fractionated by RP-HPLC, combined with SDS-PAGE, and subjected to tandem mass spectrometry.

3 A universal and efficient detection of chytridiomycosis infections in amphibians using novel quantitative PCR markers

Chytridiomycosis is an infectious disease in amphibians caused by two chytrid fungi, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), and is the worst infectious disease known in wildlife so far. Worldwide spread of the disease has caused unprecedented loss of global amphibian diversity.

4 Phylogeny identifies multiple colonisation events and Miocene aridification as drivers of South Asian bulbul (Passeriformes: Pycnonotidae) diversification

We examined the phylogenetic relationships of South Asian bulbuls with focus on endemic species to understand the historical biogeography of the region. Molecular phylogenetic analysis, divergence date estimation and ancestral area reconstruction were performed to understand the role of paleoclimate on extant bulbul diversity and their distribution. We tested for vicariance, dispersal and in situ speciation events that defined the bulbul assemblage in the region. Using morphometric data and phylogeny, we resolved taxonomic uncertainties.

2023

1 Proteome Decomplexation of Trimeresurus erythrurus Venom from Mizoram, India

Green pit vipers are the largest group of venomous vipers in tropical and subtropical Asia, which are responsible for most of the bite cases across this region. Among the green pit vipers of the Indian subcontinent, Trimeresurus erythrurus is the most prevalent; however, limited knowledge is available about its venomics. Proteome decomplexation of T. erythrurus venom using mass spectrometry revealed a blend of 53 different proteins/peptides belonging to 10 snake venom protein families.

2 Ongoing declines for the world’s amphibians in the face of emerging threats

Systematic assessments of species extinction risk at regular intervals are necessary for informing conservation action. In this report is the findings of second Global Amphibian Assessment, evaluating 8,011 species for the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. We find that amphibians are the most threatened vertebrate class.

3 Larval morphology of selected anuran species from India

External and buccopharyngeal morphology of tadpoles of 30 species of anurans from various lentic and lotic aquatic systems of India are described. Taxonomic identities of most tadpoles were confirmed by matching genetic sequences (16S rRNA) generated from tadpoles to those of taxonomically identified adult anurans

4 Abundance and composition of forest-dwelling anurans in cashew plantations in a tropical semi-evergreen forest landscape

Plantation crops in tropical human-modified landscapes provide alternative habitats to biodiversity outside protected areas. The Western Ghats of India are home to a mosaic of closely spaced habitats, including forests and agroecosystems. Cashew is a widely grown plantation crop in the northern Western Ghats and is known to provide economic and societal benefits. However, its role as a supplementary habitat for anurans is not well understood.

5 De novo genome assembly of the saw-scaled viper Echis carinatus, a medically important venomous snake in the Indian Subcontinent

Echis carinatus is a widely distributed venomous snake in the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the “Big Four” snake species responsible for mortality and severe health complications caused by envenomations. Given the significance of the species for human health, we set out to assemble the whole genome of E. carinatus.

2022

1 Evaluating Antivenom Efficacy against Echis carinatus Venoms—Screening for In Vitro Alternatives

In India, polyvalent antivenom is the mainstay treatment for snakebite envenoming. Due to batch-to-batch variation in antivenom production, manufacturers have to estimate its efficacy at each stage of IgG purification using the median effective dose which involves 100-120 mice for each batch. There is an urgent need to replace the excessive use of animals in snake antivenom production using in vitro alternatives.

2 Reproduction technologies for the sustainable management of Caudata (salamander) and Gymnophiona (caecilian) biodiversity

We review the use of reproduction technologies (RTs) to support the sustainable management of threatened Caudata (salamanders) and Gymnophiona (caecilian) biodiversity in conservation breeding programs (CBPs) or through biobanking alone. The Caudata include ∼760 species with ∼55% threatened, the Gymnophiona include ∼215 species with an undetermined but substantial number threatened, with 80% of Caudata and 65% of Gymnophiona habitat unprotected.

3 Ex-situ management of amphibians in Indian zoos

Amphibians are integral to critical ecosystems and are central to many cultural stories and beliefs, including the more modern pop- culture. They are known to be indicator species for fragile ecosystems. The complexities of amphibian decline in relation to climate change and the rapidly dispersing fungal disease, chytridiomycosis ('chytrid') have been at the forefront of conservation planning consultations.

2021

1 Immunorecognition capacity of Indian polyvalent antivenom against venom toxins from two populations of Echis carinatus

Clinicians report low efficacy of Indian polyvalent antivenom (PAV), with >20 vials required for treatment of a snakebite envenoming. We hypothesize that the antivenom efficacy could be reduced due to insufficient antibodies against some venom toxins. To test this, we used third-generation antivenomics to reveal bound and unbound venom toxins of Echis carinatus venom from Goa (ECVGO) and Tamil Nadu (ECVTN). We used 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, and 360 μg of venom and passed through mini-columns containing ~5 mg Antivenom bound to CNBr beads.

2 Bacterial Community in the Skin Microbiome of Frogs in a Coldspot of Chytridiomycosis Infection

Chytridiomycosis is a fungal disease caused by the pathogens, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and B. salamandrivorans (Bsal), which has caused declines in amphibian populations worldwide. Asia is considered as a coldspot of infection, since adult frogs are less susceptible to Bd-induced mortality or morbidity. Using the next-generation sequencing approach, we assessed the cutaneous bacterial community composition and presence of anti-Bd bacteria in six frog species from India using DNA isolated from skin swabs.

3 Chytridiomycosis in Asian Amphibians, a Global Resource for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) Research

Chytridiomycosis is an emerging infectious disease affecting amphibians globally and it is caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Chytridiomycosis has caused dramatic declines and even extinctions in wild amphibian populations in Europe, Australia, Central and North America. Spanning over two and a half decades, extensive research has led to discovery of epizootic and enzootic lineages of this pathogen.

4 A practical method for storage, preservation and transportation of anuran urine samples using filter paper for hormone analysis

Anurans (frogs and toads) expelled urine when handled and it could provide insights into their physiological status. However, storage, preservation and transportation are often challenging. The study aimed to standardize and validate a field method for short-term storage and preserve of anuran urine samples using Whatman filter papers.To examine the efficacy of storage conditions and type of papers, urinary based enzyme immunoassays were used to measure progesterone and testosterone hormone metabolites.

5 The taxonomic impediment: a shortage of taxonomists, not the lack of technical approaches

For almost 30 years, there have been active discussions about the taxonomic impediment and the challenge this represents to address the current human-induced biodiversity crisis. From the start (Systematics Agenda 2000, 1994), the term ‘taxonomic impediment’ has been ambiguous, designating both the insufficiency and inadequacy of the resources put to the service of taxonomy (the taxonomic impediment sensu stricto) and its main consequence, the wide discrepancy between the reality of specific biodiversity and our knowledge of it (the taxonomic gap; Dubois, 2010; Raposo et al., 2020).

6 Conservation of hangul, Cervus hanglu - paving the way ahead

Hangul Cervus hanglu is the only red deer species in India distributed in the Kashmir Himalaya. A population of only 200-odd is currently surviving in the wild due to a variety of threats since prehistoric times. Given the critical nature of this population, use of multifaceted approaches and technologies along with addressing the prerequisites to a successful conservation breeding programme, remains crucial to enhance the reproductive value of such endangered species. We expect that the information on genetic diversity, reproductive biology and dietary niche of wild population, generated through the ongoing work would speed up the species conservation efforts.

2020

1 Environmental niche modelling of globally threatened yellow-throated bulbul, Pycnonotus xantholaemus for conservation prospects in the Deccan Peninsula, India

Yellow-throated bulbul (YTB), Pycnonotus xantho-laemus is an endemic and threatened bird of the Deccan Peninsula which is found in discontinuous populations. We used MaxEnt algorithm to generate environmental niche models for further surveys. We compared the models for current and future scenarios to assess change in the extent of suitable habitat in response to climate change.

2 Demographic history of fragmented yellow-throated bulbul, Pycnonotus xantholaemus population in Deccan Peninsula, India.

The yellow-throated bulbul (YTB) is an endemic passerine restricted to scrub forests along hill slopes with exposed rocky outcrops in the Deccan Peninsula, India. It is found in small, discontinuous populations and is vulnerable to extinction due to ongoing habitat loss and subse- quent population decline.

2018

1 Niche dissociated assembly drives insular island community organization

Interspecific competition for resources leading to niche partitioning is considered as one of the major drivers of community assembly. Competitive niche partitioning is diagnosed from species co-occurrence, species abundance distributions (SADs), and body size distributions of species. For several decades, studies have explored these patterns for the relative significance of interspecific competition in shaping communities. We explored these patterns in a finite assemblage of insectivorous lizards in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, both at the level of archipelago and individual islands.

2 Enzootic frog pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Asian tropics reveals high ITS haplotype diversity and low prevalence

Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs) are a major threat to wildlife and a key player in the declining amphibian populations worldwide. One such EID is chytridiomycosis caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), a fungal pathogen. Aetiology of Bd infection is poorly known from tropical frogs in Asian biodiversity hotspots. Surveys were carried out in four biodiversity hotspots to ascertain the status of Bd fungus. We collected a total of 1870 swab samples from frogs representing 32 genera and 111 species.

3 Amphibians of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands: distribution, natural history, and notes on taxonomy

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal hosts a little known amphibian fauna. Despite a number of studies on amphibians from these islands in the latter half of the twentieth century, information on distribution, biology and natural history of most species is scanty. As part of a larger ecological study, we undertook surveys in islands across the archipelago.

4 Phylogeny and conservation status of the Indian egg-eater snake, Elachistodon westermanni Reinhardt, 1863 (Serpentes, Colubridae)

The Indian egg-eater (Elachistodon westermanni) is a monotypic species of the Genus Elachistodon distributed across the Indian sub-continent. In Africa, there are 13 species of egg-eating snakes of the Genus Dasypeltis. These two genera, Elachistodon and Dasypeltis were thought to be closely related due to similar diet specialization, and shared biogeographic history between the Indian sub-continent and the continent of Africa.

5 Using public surveys to reliably and rapidly estimate the distributions of multiple invasive species on the Andaman archipelago

To effectively manage multiple biological invasions, information on their distributions must be generated rapidly and over large spatial scales. Using public surveys in a false‐positive occupancy framework, we reliably estimate the distributions of three synanthropic invasive species on the Andaman Islands.

2017

1 Nomenclatural puzzle in early Xenophrys nomina (Megophryidae, Amphibia) solved with description of two new species from India (Darjeeling hills and Sikkim, India)

The eastern Himalayas are known as a hotspot in anuran diversity and areamong the earliest but also poorest explored regions of tropical Asia. Duringﬁeldwork in North-East India (Darjeeling and Sikkim), we collected small-sizedspecimens of Xenophrys. For their identiﬁcation, the nomen-bearing specimens ofXenophrys monticola and Leptobrachium parvum were examined.

2 A new species of the genus Nasikabatrachus (Anura, Nasikabratrachidae) from the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, India

We describe a new species of the endemic frog genus Nasikabatrachus, from the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, in India. The new species is morphologically, acoustically and genetically distinct from N. sahyadrensis. Computed tomography scans of both species revealed diagnostic osteological differences, particularly in the vertebral column.

2016

1 Watch out where you sleep: Nocturnal sleeping behaviour of Bay Island lizards

Sleeping exposes lizards to predation. Therefore, sleeping strategies must be directed towards avoiding predation and might vary among syntopic species. We studied sleeping site characteristics of two syntopic, congeneric lizards - the Bay Island forest lizard, Coryphophylax subcristatus and the short-tailed Bay Island lizard, C.

2 A new genus and species of arboreal toad with phytotelmonous larvae, from the Andaman Islands, India (Lissamphibia, Anura, Bufonidae)

A new bufonid amphibian, belonging to a new monotypic genus, is described from the Andaman Islands, in the Bay of Bengal, Republic of India, based on unique external morphological and skeletal characters which are compared with those of known Oriental and other relevant bufonid genera.

2015

1 Fine Scale Habitat Selection in Travancore Tortoises (Indotestudo travancorica) in the Anamalai Hills, Western Ghats

Travancore Tortoises (Indotestudo travancorica) are endemic to the Western Ghats, south India. Landscape level surveys showed no clear habitat selection by the species. Therefore, we used radiotelemetry to study home-range size and fine-scale spatial movement habitat use of four tortoises from 2008–10.

2 Endocrine profiling of Endangered Tropical Chelonians using Non-Invasive Fecal Steroid Analyses.

The present study demonstrates the feasibility of in situ endocrine profiling of the Cochin cane turtle (Vijayachelys silvatica) and the Travancore tortoise (Indotestudo travancorica) using noninvasive fecal-steroid analyses. Reproductive (testosterone, progesterone, estradiol) and stress hormones (Glucocorticoids) and their metabolites were detected in fecal samples with unambiguous signatures during their breeding seasons. We validate immunoassays for monitoring reproduction and stress level using fecal steroid analysis.

3 The devil is in the detail: estimating species richness, density, and relative abundance of tropical island herpetofauna

One of the basic premises of drawing samples from populations is that the samples are representative of the populations. However, error in sampling is poorly recognized, and it goes unnoticed especially in community ecology. By combining traditional open quadrats used for sampling forest floor herpetofauna with intensive bounded quadrats, we explore the effect of sampling error on estimates of species richness, diversity, and density in the Andaman Islands.

4 A New Species of the Genus Tylototriton (Amphibia: Urodela: Salamandridae) from Eastern Himalaya

A new newt species, Tylototriton daloushanensis Zhou, Xiao & Luo, sp. nov., is described from Guizhou, China, based on phylogenetic and morphological analyses. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial 16S and ND2 genes show that the new species is an independent lineage closely related to T. maolanensis, T. broadoridgus, T. dabienicus, T. anhuiensis, and T. wenxianensis.

5 Impact of invasive spotted deer (Axis axis) on tropical island lizard communities in the Andaman archipelago

Introduced mammalian herbivores are known to be detrimental to native biodiversity and can alter ecosystem processes, by direct and indirect effects. Island systems, with inherently high rates of extinction are particularly susceptible to the impacts of such herbivores. We evaluated the nature and extent of this potential indirect effect on lizards from 2012 to 2014.

2014

1 Observations on overwintering larvae of Tylototriton verrucosus (Caudata: Salamandridae) in Darjeeling, Himalaya, India

Amphibians restrict their reproduction to short periods that present the most favourable conditions. Usually, this event coincides with the rainy season (D  H ) as water availability is crucial for the larval devel-opment of these species.

2 Preliminary ethogram and in situ time-activity budget of the enigmatic cane turtle (Vijayachelys silvatica) from the Western Ghats, south India

We documented in situ behavioral patterns of the endemic Cane Turtle (Vijayachelys silvatica) during the postmonsoon season, using direct observations on four individuals for a total of 53.9 h (males - 30.3 h, n = 2; females – 23.6 h, n = 2). We prepared an ethogram consisting of seven states and 10 events from these observations.

3 Factors influencing occupancy of Travancore tortoise (Indotestudo travancorica) population inside tropical Protected Areas in south India

Protected areas in developing tropical countries are under pressure from local demand for resources, and therefore it is essential to monitor rare species and prevent overexploitation of resources. The Travancore tortoise Indotestudo travancorica is endemic to the Western Ghats in southern India, where it inhabits deciduous and evergreen forests.

4 Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation Project of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group

The Cochin Forest Cane Turtle, Vijayachelys silvatica (Family Geoemydidae), is a cryptic species in a monotypic genus endemic to the semi-evergreen and evergreen forests of the Western Ghats in southwestern India. It is the smallest turtle species in India, with carapace length (CL) in females up to 139 mm and males up to 126 mm.

5 Impact of dams on riparian frog communities in the southern Western Ghats, India

The Western Ghats is a global biodiversity hotspot and home to diverse and unique assemblages of amphibians. Several rivers originate from these mountains and hydropower is being tapped from them. The impacts of hydrological regulation of riparian ecosystems to wildlife and its habitat are poorly documented, and in particular the fate of frog populations is unknown. We examined the effects of dams on riparian frog communities in the Thamirabarani catchment in southern Western Ghats.

6 Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation Project of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group

Leith’s Softshell Turtle, Nilssonia leithii (Family Trionychidae), is a large turtle, known to attain at least 720 mm in carapace length (bony disk plus fibrocartilage flap), and possibly as much as 1000 mm. The species inhabits the rivers and reservoirs of southern peninsular India, replacing the more familiar Indian Softshell Turtle, N. gangetica, of northern India.

2013

1 Molecular evolution of vertebrate neurotrophins: co-option of the highly conserved nerve growth factor gene into advanced snake venom arsenal

Neurotrophins are a diverse class of structurally related proteins, essential for neuronal development, survival, plasticity and regeneration. They are characterized by major family members, such as the nerve growth factors (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), which have been demonstrated here to lack coding sequence variations and follow the regime of negative selection, highlighting their extremely important conserved role in vertebrate homeostasis.

2 Recent introduction and spread of Indian bullfrog Hoplobatrachus tigerinus(Daudin, 1802) into the Andaman Island

The ecological release experienced by invasive species in is-lands enables them to establish quickly, increase their population, and out-compete indigenous species.

3 Rediscovery of Calotes andamanensis Boulenger, 1891, (Squamata: Sauria: Agamidae) and assessment of its generic allocation

Rediscovery of Calotes andamanensis Boulenger, 1891 and the assessment of its genus (squamata: sauria: Agamidae) surenDrAn hArIKrIshnAn & KArThIKeyAn VAsuDeVAn KurZFASS The draconine Agame Calotes andamanensis Boulenger, 1891, known only from the holotype, was found in the Andaman Islands (India).

4 Feeding ecology of the Travancore tortoise (Indotestudo travancorica) in the Anamalais, Western Ghats, India

The feeding ecology of the Travancore tortoise (Indotestudo travancorica) was studied for four years (2006-2009) in the Anamalais, Western Ghats, south-western India. The diet of I. travancoricawas examined and quantified based on faecal matter and direct feeding observations.

5 Availability of nesting habitat may not drive colony formation in chestnut-headed bee-eaters, Merops leschenaulti in southern India

Colonial breeding may be driven by patchy breeding habitats leading to congregation of individuals at suitable sites, or by conspecific attraction, where individuals choose to nest in the proximity of past or present nesting sites of conspecifics. The selection of habitat might also be influenced by age and body condition.

6 Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers of the common toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus useful for genetic studies

Asian common toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, is a widespread habitat generalist species of Indian-subcontinent and South-East Asia. Here we report, 14 new microsatellite markers (SSRs) for this toad, developed from a SSR-enriched genomic library, and validated using 44 unrelated samples of Asian toad and ~20 samples belonging to four congeners.

7 Aggressive interactions among male Cane Turtles Vijayachelys sylvatica(Henderson, 1912)

Vijayachelys silvatica (HENDER SON, 1912) is a monotypic chelonian endemic to the Western Ghats (MOLL et al. 1986; PRA- SCHAG et al. 2006). It attains a maximum straight carapace length (SCL) of 170 mm (WHITAKER & JAGANATHAN 2009) and is thus one of the smallest terrestrial geoemy- did turtles. The species is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, molluscs, beetles and millipedes (MOLL et al. 1986; DEEPAK et al. 2009; VASUDEVAN et al. 2010). Maxi mum straight carapace length is not signifi- cantly different between males and females (WHITAKER & JAGANATHAN 2009).

2012

1 Phylogeography of Dasia Gray, 1830 (Reptilia: Scincidae), with the description of a new species from southern India

A new tree skink species of the genus Dasia Gray, 1830, closely allied to Dasia haliana, is described from southern West-ern Ghats of India. The new species named, Dasia johnsinghi sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by morphological and molecular data.

2 Averting biodiversity collapse in tropical forest protected areas

The rapid disruption of tropical forests probably imperils global biodiversity more than any other contemporary phenomenon With deforestation advancing quickly, protected areas are increasingly becoming final refuges for threatened species and natural ecosystem processes. However, many protected areas in the tropics are themselves vulnerable to human encroachment and other environmental stresses.

3 Molecularphylogeny of the softshell turtle genus Nilssonia revisited, with first records of N. formosa for China and wild-living N. nigricans for Bangladesh

Based on 2354 bp of mitochondrial DNA (12S rRNA, ND4, cyt b) and 2573 bp of nuclear DNA (C-mos, ODC, R35), we re-examine the phylogenetic relationships of Nilssonia species. Individual and combined analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian approaches confirm the monophyly of the genus.

4 Larval morphology and ontogeny of Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis Biju & Bossuyt, 2003 (Anura, Nasikabatrachidae) from Western Ghats, India

The external, oral and buccopharyngeal morphologies of Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis tadpoles were studied using ste-reoscopic and scanning electron microscopy. Using DNA barcodes, taxonomic identity of the tadpoles was established and tadoples of N. sahyadrensis were reared in semi-natural conditions.

5 A new species of Coryphophylax Fitzinger in: Steindachner, 1867 (Sauria: Iguania: Agamidae) from the Andaman Islands, India

The systematic position of the agamid genus Coryphophylax (Squamata: Agamidae) is given as monotypic and endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, India. After having surveyed intensively in thirteen different Islands and examined several individuals in the Andamans group of islands, we describe a second species of Coryphophylax from the lowland rainforests of the South Andaman Island.

6 Biodiversity values of abandoned teak, Tectona grandis plantations in southern Western Ghats: Is there a need for management intervention?

Abandoned plantations could potentially support a large number of native tree species through succession and restore the original tree community. In order to assess the ability of abandoned teak plantations to recover through regeneration, teak stands from 29 to 80 years old were sampled for seedling and sapling density, species richness and the use by large ungulates in the southern Western Ghats using 10 m circular plots. The influence of the forest-plantation edge was also studied.

7 A survey of herpetofauna on Long Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

In the last 150 years, herpetological studies in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have uncovered forty species of terrestrial reptiles and eight species of frogs from the Andaman Islands. However, fine scale information on the distribution and status of the herpetofauna of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is still lacking. In an attempt to fill the gaps in information, as the first in a series, we conducted a short survey of the herpetofauna of Long Island, Middle Andaman.

2011

1 Utilization of wild caught animals in education: a case of rampant vivisections in India

Vivisection as a learning tool has been debated vigorously in academia. Such debates have led to the formulation of policies and laws on ethical treatment of animals. With the rapid depletion of living planet resources', large-scale utilization of wild caught animals for vivisection in education, expands this debate beyond ethical treatment of animals.

2 Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtle and Tortoises: A compilation project of the Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises Specialist Group

The Travancore Tortoise, Indotestudo travancorica (Family Testudinidae) is a medium-sized tortoise (straight carapace length [SCL] up to 331 mm) endemic to the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats in southwestern India. The taxonomy of the genus Indotestudo has recently been revised, and I. travancorica is considered a distinct species.

3 Monitoring of breeding in Nasikabatrachussahyadrensis (Anura: Nasikabatrachidae) in the southern Western Ghats, India

The breeding of Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis was monitored for three consecutive years (2007- 2009) in an evergreen forest patch in the Anamalai tiger reserve, Western Ghats. The relationship between climatic variables and pattern of breeding was studied. Few anurans from this region have a reproductive mode analogous to the one observed in N. sahyadrensis.

2010

1 Redescription of Bibron’s coral snake, Calliophisbibroni 1858 with notes and new records from south of the Palghat and Shencottah gaps of the Western Ghats, India

Bibron's coral snake, Calliophis bibroni Jan 1858, is a rare and venomous snake known from the Nilgiri region of the Central Western Ghats, in northern Kerala, southern Karnataka and north-western Tamil Nadu. We present a summary of morphological characters from type material, other voucher specimens, and fresh collections made from the Western Ghats.

2 Behavior of Indian peafowl Pavo cristatus Linn. 1758 during the mating period in a natural population

Behavioral observations on Indian peafowl Pavo cristatus in the Shivalik landscape of North India were carried out during their mating period, between 31 March and 21 May 2006. Behaviors of peafowl were recorded using scan samples. Overall, females, sub-adult males and adult males spent different proportions of time in different activities, and the proportion of time spent on different activities varied during the mating season.

2009

1 Preliminary observations on the diet of the cane turtle (Vijayachelys silvatica)

The cane turtle (Vijayachelys silvatica) is a cryptic species, endemic to the Western Ghats, India (Vijaya, 1982; Groombridge et al., 1983; Moll et al., 1986). They are omnivorous and re-ported to feed on fruits, leaves, molluscs, beetles and millipedes (Moll et al., 1986). However, the ecology of the species is poorly documented. The only published report on the diet of the spe-cies by Moll et al. (1986), stated that 20–70% of their diet was composed of animal material.

2 Report on mass mortality of frogs in Son Chiriya Wildllife Sanctuary, Gwalior, India

Complete disappearance of amphibian populations indifferent parts of the world has been reported since 1950 andthe frequency of such reports increased sharply during the1990s (Kiesecker et al. 2001; Harp and Petranka 2006).Currently, the rate at which amphibians are going extinct farexceeds the rate for any other vertebrate taxa in the world(Stuart et al. 2004).

2008

1 Density and microhabitat association of Salea anamallayana (Beddome, 1878) in EravikulamNational Park, Western Ghats, India

Salea anamallayana is an endemic agamid restricted to the high altitudes of the southern Western Ghats. Distance sampling along line transects was used to estimate its density in Eravikulam National Park (ENP). The habitat association of the species was also examined.

2 Density and diversity of forest floor amphibians in the rainforests of the southern Western Ghats, India

The structure and composition of forest-floor anuran diversity in the biologically rich rail) forests of southern Western Chats were studied. The study was carried out in the relatively undisturbed rainforest tract of Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. A quadrat search method was used to estimate species richness and density of the forest floor anuran community.

2007

1 Patterns in diversity of anurans along an elevational gradient in the Western Ghats, south India

Geometric constraints did not influence anuran species richness along the elevational gradient. Overlapping range boundaries influenced species richness at the gamma level. Abiotic factors such as soil temperature and moisture influenced anuran species richness in the mountain range.

2 Pernicious ‘new’ frog descriptions from the Western Ghats, India

Kuramoto and Joshy1 distinguished Philautus luteolus from all other known Philautus based on coloration and mark-ings only from males. The authors admit that ‘variation seems extensive regarding size, ratio of body parts, coloration, and so on… . Under these circumstances, it is necessary to accumulate precise data es-pecially on live specimens such as col-oration and acoustic features’.

2006

1 Evaluating adaptive cluster sampling: Application to terrestrial herpetofauna in tropical rainforests, south India

We sampled forest floor herpetofaunal communities in a monsoonal rainforest in South India for three consecutive years to evaluate the use of cluster sampling in estimating species composition and density. Our initial experimental design consisted of comprehensive random searches of multiple 25m2 quadrats (SRS) for animals.

2 Species Turnover: the case of stream amphibians of rainforests in the Western Ghats, Southern India

We examined species turnover in stream amphibians in rainforest in two hill ranges (Ashambu and Anamalai Hills) in the Western Ghats in south India. In each hill range, six stream segments (100 m in length) belonging to three drainage or rivers were surveyed three to four times in three seasons over 1 year. Species turnover (using 1-Sorenson’s index) was estimated between all possible pairs of sites at three spatial scales — within drainage, between drainage and between hill ranges.

2005

1 Diet of Lapemiscurtus (Hydrophiidae) along the coast of Goa, western India

Stomach contents were obtained from 165 individuals of Lapemis curtus. Food was present in 90% of the stomachs, but only on 59 occasions prey could be identified to family level. Five fish families constituted the diet of L. curtus of which, Clupeidae and Cynoglossidae dominate.

2004

1 Weight-length relationships in two species of marine snakes along Goa coast, western India

The weight - length relationships and morphometric patterns in two sympatric species of sea snakes, Lapemis curtus and Enhydrina schistosa were studied along the coast of Goa (western India). In both species, snout-vent length has a strong positive correlation to the weight and tail length.

2 Jurassic frogs and the evolution of amphibian endemism in the Western Ghats

The diversity of frogs and toads (Anurans) in tropical evergreen forests has recently gained importance with reports of several new species1. We describe here a fossorial frog taxon related to the African Heleophrynidae and Seychellian Sooglossidae from the Western Ghats of India.

3 The biodiversity bandwagon: the splitters have it

The accurate estimation of biodiversity has become one of the most important biological and conservation concerns of the 21st century. An unbiased estimate of biodiversity requires an unambiguous mea-surement unit. The most commonly used unit is the ‘species’, and though it is implicitly accepted as valid, consistent and appropriate, there has been little con-sensus over the many different species concepts proposed over the years.

2003

1 A report on sexual dimorphism in Rana temporalis (Günther 1864)

Sexual dimorphism is widespread in the animal kingdom and the amphibians are no exception. It has been reported in amphibians as secondary sexual characters among anurans from China (Liu, 1936), hylid frogs in tropical America (Duellman, 1970), and among a few genera of ranids from tropical evergreen forests of south India (Inger et al., 1984). Similarly, sexual dimorphism in size in Rana temporalis has been reported (see Boulenger, 1920), but it poses a problem when individuals have to be sexed using just one or a few morphological criteria.

2001

1 Herpetofaunal mortality in roads on Anamalai hills, southern Western Ghats

We sampled road-killed amphibians and reptiles from the highway segments passing through rainforest fragments and tea gardens in the Anamalai hills in order to evaluate the effects of vehicular traffic on the herpetofauna. There was greater mortality among amphibians than reptiles due to vehicular movement.

2000

1 Structure and composition of rainforest floor amphibian communities in Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

Forest floor amphibian communities in the contiguous rainforest of Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve were sampled using quadrats, in order to enumerate factors that govern their distribution. A sampling protocol using adaptive cluster sampling provided data far superior to that from conventional random placement of quadrats.

2 A new species of Rhacophorus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from the Western Ghats, India

A new species belonging to the genus Rhacophorus is described on the basis of four specimens collected from the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. It is diagnosed by the following characters: large size (mean SVL: 52.7 mm); indistinct tympanum; diameter more than half of that of eye; fingers two thirds and toes fully webbed; a flap of skin on the fore-arms; a conical flap of skin on the heels; live dorsal colour green with leaf venation like markings and webs of fingers yellowish orange (typical of the new species).

1998

1 Reproductive ecology of gangetic soft-shell turtle Aspideretes gangeticus in Chambal

The Chambal is a major river of northern India and is part of the Gangetic river basin. The river flows for about 600 km along the state boundaries of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pardesh. In 1983, the 'Ganga Action Plan' was launched to clean the river Ganges. In this program large numbers of softshell turtles, Aspideretes gangeticus (Fig. 1) and A. hurum, were released into the river to feed upon carcasses of animals and humans which were commonly dumped into the river (Basu, 1985).

2 Nesting ecology of mugger (Crocodylus plaustris) in Amaravathi, southern India

The reservoir at Amaravathi, Tamil Nadu State, southern India, has been reported to sustain the country's largest mugger (Crocodylus palustris) population. A survey of crocodile nests was carried out in the reservoir and stream habitats. Nesting sites in the reservoir during 1976 were different from those utilised during 1994. There was no synchrony in nesting between reservoir and stream habitats. Aggregation of nests in the stream habitat or scattered nesting in the reservoir may have resulted due to differences in the quality of the habitats.

1997

1 Rediscovery of the Black Microhylid frog

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