The rediscovery of the Sri Lankan golden-backed frog (Hylarana gracilis) in India after 200 years is a monumental event. It provides vital evidence of a historic land bridge that existed between India and Sri Lanka during the late Pleistocene period, also known as the Ice Age. This finding has implications for understanding past biodiversity and ecological connections between these regions.
This remarkable frog was found in the Palamaner forest range of the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Chittoor district, which is the southernmost point of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh.
The rediscovery was made by researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board. Bharath Bhupathi from ZSI, Hyderabad, first encountered the species near a pond in the forest, marking a significant contribution to Indian herpetology.
To confirm the species as Hylarana gracilis, researchers consulted with taxonomic experts and utilized morphological and DNA barcoding tools. This rigorous scientific approach ensures the accuracy of the identification and underscores the importance of modern techniques in biodiversity studies.
Amphibians, including the Sri Lankan golden-backed frog, serve as critical ecological indicators of healthy ecosystems. Their rediscovery emphasizes the rich biodiversity of the Eastern Ghats, which is home to 27 species of amphibians, significantly fewer than those found in the Western Ghats.
This rediscovery supports the hypothesis of a historic land bridge that once connected India and Sri Lanka. The genetic divergence observed in frog populations from both regions, which is only 0.2% to 1%, indicates that they were once connected, likely due to changes in sea levels during the late Pleistocene.
In response to this significant discovery, District Forest Officer (Chittoor) C. Chaitanya Kumar Reddy has announced that measures will be implemented to protect the rediscovered species within the Palamaner range of Chittoor. This proactive approach is essential for the conservation of this rare amphibian.
With this recent rediscovery, the total number of freshwater frog species in India has now increased to 20. This rise reflects ongoing biodiversity exploration and conservation efforts across the nation.
Q1. What is the significance of rediscovering the Sri Lankan golden-backed frog?
Answer: The rediscovery signifies historical land connections between India and Sri Lanka during the Ice Age and highlights biodiversity in the Eastern Ghats.
Q2. Where was the Sri Lankan golden-backed frog found in India?
Answer: It was discovered in the Palamaner forest range of the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh.
Q3. Who rediscovered the Sri Lankan golden-backed frog?
Answer: Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board played key roles in this significant rediscovery.
Q4. Why are amphibians considered ecological indicators?
Answer: Amphibians are sensitive to environmental changes, making them important indicators of ecosystem health and biodiversity.
Q5. How many freshwater frog species are now recognized in India?
Answer: With the rediscovery of the Sri Lankan golden-backed frog, India now recognizes a total of 20 freshwater frog species.
Question 1: Where was the Sri Lankan golden-backed frog rediscovered?
A) Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary
B) Western Ghats
C) Nilgiri Hills
D) Palamaner Forest Range
Correct Answer: D
Question 2: What is the genetic divergence between the frog populations in India and Sri Lanka?
A) 0.5% to 2%
B) 0.2% to 1%
C) 1% to 3%
D) 0.1% to 0.5%
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which organization was involved in the rediscovery of the frog?
A) Wildlife Institute of India
B) Zoological Survey of India
C) National Biodiversity Authority
D) Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What do amphibians indicate in ecosystems?
A) Land quality
B) Water quality
C) Ecosystem health
D) Soil fertility
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: How many species of amphibians are found in the Eastern Ghats?
A) 20
B) 27
C) 15
D) 30
Correct Answer: B
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