RESEARCH ARTICLE

A SURVEY OF AMPHIBIANS IN THE NILGALA FOREST RESERVE AND ITS VICINITY

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a preliminary study on Amphibian diversity in Nilgala Forest Reserve, in the Monaragala District, which is situated in the intermediate zone of Sri Lanka. Our aim was primarily to study the Amphibian species diversity and various threats they face in this remote, unstudied area. We were able to record 19 species of amphibians, which is about 18% of the total Sri Lankan Amphibians described to date. We were also able to record several species for the first time in Nilgala Forest Reserve. There were 6 (31%) endemic species and 5 (26%) nationally threatened species among them. Hence Nilgala Forest Reserve supports a high Amphibian diversity. However, this important forest is threatened by harmful human activities such as man made fire, illegal logging, chena cultivation and road kills.

Keywords: Survey,Amphibians,Nilgala Forest Reserve

How to Cite: Karunarathna,D.M.S.S,Abeywardena,U.T.I,Asela,M.D.C,,,Sirimanna,D.G.R,KEKULANDALA,L.D.C.B, (2006). A SURVEY OF AMPHIBIANS IN THE NILGALA FOREST RESERVE AND ITS VICINITY.WILDLANKA, 1(1):Pages 077-088

Published On:2006-01-01

Download