Herpetofauna of Uttar Pradesh, India

Author: Amita Kanaujia, Akhilesh Kumar and Adesh Kumar

Journal Name:

Download PDF

Abstract

Herpetofauna (Amphibians and Reptiles) also play a crucial role in ecosystem function. They are important predators of many insects and agricultural pests and are therefore, valuable for natural biological pest control. Herpetofauna are poikilothermic (cold blooded) vertebrates with smooth skin. The study was carried out during March 2011 through March 2013, with an aim to determine the diversity, distribution and natural history information in Uttar Pradesh. Present study revealed the presence of an authentic, annotated and illustrated checklist of herpetofauna occurring within the political boundaries of Uttar Pradesh. A total 93 species of herpetofauna including 70 species of Reptiles of 3 orders (Squamata, Testudines, Crocodilia), 3 Suborders (Ophidia, Cryptodira, Sauria/ Lacertilia), 15 Familiesand 23 species of Amphibians including 1 order (Anura), 5 families. Among the reptiles 38 are snakes (18 venemous, 20 non-venemous), Crocodile and Gharials, 18 turtles and 12 lizards. Such

Keywords

Herpetofauna, Uttar Pradesh, Amphibians, Reptiles, India

Conclusion

Such work should make special efforts to identify distinctive and representative herpetological taxa of protected areas or unique habitats to enhance and highlight their conservation value. Such key taxa can serve as “indicator species” for assessing the future conservation priorities and requirements of these areas. Though the conclusions are prepared based on the results of the present study, we endorse more research should be carried out in future in the present study area. Seasonal variation for amphibians and reptiles was projected to expand for the majority of species. A large number of species still being described, highlight the need for a more concerted scientific study in Uttar Pradesh as well as a need for greater protection of the habitat that remains.

References

There have been several efforts to create inventories of Indian reptiles which are collations of documentation, findings and records of individual herpetologists (Smith 1931, Whitaker and Captain 2004). Herpetofauna include amphibians and reptiles. Amphibians are poikilothermic (cold blooded) vertebrates with smooth skin leading a bimodal life i.e. life in water as well as land. The three modern orders of amphibians are Anura (tailless and limbless animals like toads and frogs), Caudata (tailless animals e.g. salamanders and newts), and Gymnophiona (caecilians, limbless amphibians that resemble snakes). Reptiles, found in almost all parts of the world, except the very cold regions. In India, reptiles have their three representative’s orders-Crocodylia (crocodiles), Testudines (turtles and tortoises) and Squamata (lizards and snakes). The diversified climate, varying vegetation and different types of soil in the country form a wide range of biotopes, that support a highly diversified

How to cite this article

Amita Kanaujia, Akhilesh Kumar and Adesh Kumar (2017). Herpetofauna of Uttar Pradesh, India , Biological Forum – An International Journal 9(1): 118-130.