Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis
– Endangered
Taxonomy
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Kingdom:
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ANIMALIA
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Phylum:
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CHORDATA
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Class:
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AMPHIBIA
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Order:
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ANURA
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Family:
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NASIKABATRACHIDAE
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Scientific Name:
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Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis
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Species Authority:
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Biju & Bossuyt, 2003
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Taxonomic Notes:
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This species has been reported from several additional localities, although these likely refer to undescribed species (S.D. Biju pers. comm.)
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Assessment Information
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Red List Category & Criteria:
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EN B1ab(iii) ver 3.1 (2001)
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Year Assessed:
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2004
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Assessor/s:
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Biju, S.D.
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Evaluator/s:
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Stuart, S., Chanson, J. & Cox, N. (Global Amphibian Assessment Coordinating Team)
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Justification:
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Listed as Endangered because its extent of occurrence is less than 5,000 km², all individuals are in fewer than five locations, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat in the Cardomom Hills.
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Geographic Range
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Range Description:
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This species is endemic to the Western Ghats in India, and is known from only two localities, both in Idukki District in the Cardomom Hills in Kerala: Kattapana; and near Idukki town. Its recorded altitudinal range is 850-1,000 m asl. It is likely to occur more widely.
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Range Map:
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 (click for detailed map)
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Countries:
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Native:
India
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Population
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Population:
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It is a rare species, though very hard to find. Only 135 specimens have so far been observed, and, of these, only three have been females.
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Population Trend:
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Habitat and Ecology
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Habitat and Ecology:
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It has been found in disturbed secondary forest contiguous with montane evergreen forest, but presumably occurs in undisturbed forest as well (though apparently it does not survive in open, completely cleared habitats). For most of the year it is a fossorial species, living from 1.3-3.7 m below ground. It comes to the surface for a few weeks a year to breed in temporary and permanent ponds and ditches by larval development. It often breeds in ponds close to streams.
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System:
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Terrestrial; Freshwater
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Threats
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Threats:
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The main threat is forest loss due to expanding cultivation (of coffee, cardamom, ginger and other species).
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Conservation Actions
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Conservation Actions:
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It has not yet been recorded from any protected areas, making the protection of forest habitat within its range an urgent priority.
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