Distribution, Threats and Conservation Strategies of Anurans at Central Aravalli foothills of Ajmer, Rajasthan India.

IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences (IOSR-JPBS)
e-ISSN: 2278-3008, p-ISSN:2319-7676. Volume 10, Issue 6 Ver. I (Nov - Dec. 2015), PP 34-42
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DOI: 10.9790/3008-10613442 www.iosrjournals.org 34 | Page
Distribution, Threats and Conservation Strategies of
Anurans at Central Aravalli foothills of Ajmer,
Rajasthan India.
Dr Rashmi Sharma
Department of Zoology S P C Govt. College AJMER Rajasthan INDIA
Abstract: Ajmer is located in the center of Rajasthan (INDIA) between 25 0
38 “ and 26 0
58 “ north
Latitude and 73 0
54 “ and 75 0
22” east longitude covering a geographical area of about 8481sq km
surrounded all sides by Aravalli hills.
Amphibians, particularly anurans, are of immense ecological and economical importance.Amphibian
species diversity is highest in Tropics. But now these are declining at fast rate. The initial
release of Global Amphibian Assessment (GAA) in 2004 reported amphibian species had been
analyzed in order to assess their conservation status and
distribution.
Ajmer has hot dry summer and cold bracing winter. The winter extends from November to February
and summer extends from March to June followed by rainy season till mid September.
The temperature varies from 2 o
c in winter and 49 0
c in summer. The normal annual rainfall is 527.3mm.
The total population of the district is 2180526 persons .
Ajmer is abode of certain flora and fauna that are particularly endemic to semi-arid and are specially
adapted to survive in the dry waterless region of the state.
The Amphibian species identified were Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, Fejervarya
limnocharis, Sphaerotheca breviceps, S. Rolandae, Duttaphrynus melanostictus,
D. stomaticus, Microhyla ornata, Uperodon systoma.
Key words: Faunal diversity, Amphibians, Aravalis, Ajmer.
I. Introduction
Geographical Identification of the Area : Rajasthan
Geographical identification of RAJASTHAN

Distribution, Threats and Conservation Strategies of Anurans at Central Aravalli…
Ajmer is located in the center of Rajasthan (INDIA) between 26 0
16’N-74 0
25’ E & 26 0
27’N-
74 0
42’E with an area of 8481sq km2 (Heron 1953). surrounded all sides by Aravalli hills . The
average altitude of the central Aravalli is 550 m .The Ajmer valley of Aravalli foothills itself
drains westwards into Luni river and the ridges East to Ajmer drains to the Banas river. It
experiences the a mean annual rainfall of 573mmBut scanty and uncertain. Temperature ranges 2 0
C
– 46 0
C. The summers are extremelyhot in this part, However Aravallis has witnessed many
climatic changes in the recent past, particularly the rainfall, temperature fluctuation and shift of
weathers. Recent studies on identification and monitoring of anurans based on their call
characteristics have shown great potential as a supporting feature to the traditional methods of
taxonomy (Sonotaxonomy). The status of population of these anuran specieswas categorised in 4
groups ( MC- Most common; CO- Common; NC- not common; RA-Rare) and population trend
categorized as stable; decline, and sharply decline along the IUCN and red data list status (Table 1
). The Anurans show highest diversity among Indian Amphibians inhabiting all types of
habitat such as Aquatic, semiaquatic, fussorial, terrestrial, semiarboreal and arboreal.The
Amphibians of India show a high level of endemism. In 2010, Zoological Survey of India has
documented a total of 311 amphibian species in India (Dinesh et.al.2010). Of which 9 species are
found in Ajmer.
The initial release of Global Amphibian Assessment (GAA) in 2004 reported amphibian
species had been analyzed in order to assess their conservation status and distribution.
The results of the study provide a baseline for global amphibian conservations, and real
ready designing strategies to save declining worlds amphibian population. In June 2007 GAA
list total 5918 amphibian species in the world of which 88% are frogs and toads. Of these 30%
(1590) were listed vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. Central America, Caribbean,
Australia and some parts of Asia are the areas that have suffered most decline habitat loss is the
main cause of decline. It is believed that due to its hot climatic conditions and arid habitat very
little scope is there for the amphibians to thrive in this part of India. Due to this reason very
few or negligible studies have been done on Amphibian fauna from this region.(McCann 1942 a,
1942b, Mansukhani & Murthy 1964; Sharma 1995a, 1995b ; Sharma 1997 ; Sharma 1999 ; Sharma &
Agnihotri 2002 ; Sharma & Khan 2002 ; Sharma et.al. , Sharma 2005,
Sharma and Dube 2005, Sharma 2008, Sharma and Mehra 2007, 2009, Sharma & Sharma
2009 ; Sharma et.al. 2010a, 2010b).
Aravalli Mountain range is a typical ensialic Mountain range of oldest proterozoicRocks
which has an age span between 2500 and 850 million years ( Roy & Jakhar 2002). The
purpose of this study is to determine total no. of species of frogs and toads of Ajmer.
II. Methods
The present study was carried out during 2013-2014. The identification of species was
mainly based on the morphometric observations and high resolution close-up photographs using
still and video digital cameras ( Nikon Coolpix; Sony, H50 , Sony DCR-VX2200E) using standard
diagnostic keys ( Boulenger 1890; Dutta 1992; Chanda 2002; Daniel 2002; Daniels 2005). Since
digital documentation at micro level observations have become so precise, authentic and stable, that
killing, fixation and preservation of animals for identification was totally avoided by
implementation of humane methods Keeping in view ethical issues and relevant legislations
(Sathyanarayana 2010a, 2010b; Sharma et.al. 2011).
III. Observations
Recent studies on identification and monitoring of anurans based on their call
characteristics have shown great potential as a supporting feature to the traditional methods of
taxonomy (Sonotaxonomy). The status of population of these anuran specieswas categorised in 4
groups ( MC- Most common; CO- Common; NC- not common; RA-Rare) and population trend
categorized as stable; decline, and sharply decline along with the IUCN and red data list status
(Table 1 ).

Table 1. Frogs and Toads of Ajmer Aravallis : Their status ,Population trends ,IUCN criteria, Red
list criteria.
S.no. Species Common name Current
status
Population
trend
IUCN criteria Red list
category
Dicroglossidae
1. Euphlyctis
cyanophlyctis
Indian skipper
frog
MC Stable LRnt/DD/N LCver3.1
2. Hoplobatrachus
tigerinus
Indian Bull
Frog
CO declining VU/DD/A1d LCver3.1
3. Fejervarya
limnocharis
Cricket frog NC Declining VU/DD/A1ac LCver3.1
4. Sphaerotheca
breviceps
Burrowing frog NC Declining LCver3.1
5. Sphaerotheca
rolandae
Rolands
Burrowing frog
RA Sharply
declining
LRnt/DD/N LCver3.1
Bufonidae
6. Duttaphrynus
melanostictus
Common Asian
frog
NC Stable VU/DD/A1abc LCver 3.1
7. D. stomaticus Marbled toad MC Stable LRnt/DD/N LCver3.1
Micrihylidae
8. Microhyla ornata Ornate narrow
mouthed frog
CO Declining LRlc/DD/N LCver 3.1
9. Uperodon
systoma
Marbled
balloon frog
RA Sharply
declining
LRnt/DD/N LCver3.1
MC-most common,CO-Common,NC- Not common,RA-Rare.
Amphibians
Indian bull frog Hoplobatrachus tigrinus , Fejervarya limnocharus Indian skipper frog
Euphylyctis cyanophlictis , Toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus , Common Indian toad Duttaphrynus
stomaticus , Sphaerotheca rolandae, Sphaerotheca breviceps, Microphyla ornate , Uperodon systoma.
Dicroglossidae
Indian skipping frog Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis. Indian bull frog Hoplobatrachus igerinus.
Cricket frog Fejervarya limnocharis . Burrowing frog Sphaerotheca breviceps. Rolands rog
Sphaerotheca rolandae.
Bufonidae Common Asian toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus.Marbled toad Duttaphrynus
stomaticus .Microhylidae Ornate frog Microhyla ornate. Marbled balloon frog Uperodon systoma.
IV. Results And Discussion
A total 9 species belonging to 3 families of order Anura was recorded (Table 1 ) from
The study area along with some direct or indirect threats associated with the population of
these anuran species.Out of 9 observed species Hoplobatrachus tigerinus (image 8 ) and Duttaphrynus
melanostictus (image 6 ) are most common species with stable population trend.
Duttaphrynus stomaticus (image 5 ) and Euphlictis cyanophlictis (image 4 ) are not common
with the stable Population trend. Fejervarya limnocharis (image 1) and Microhyla ornate (image 7)
not common and population trend as decline. Spherotheca breviceps (image 2), Sphaerotheca rolandae
(image 3) also show population trend as decline. Uperdoon systoma (image 9) occurred as rare and
population observed as sharply decline at the central Aravalli foothills. There existed confusion
in identification of Sphaerotheca breviceps and Sphaerotheca
rolandae but during the observation of preceding monsoon we could clearly
distinguished both the species based on their call characteristics loud bawng—2 Sphaerotheca
breviceps and breeee---2 Sphaerotheca rolandae. The calls were further confirmed with high
resolution spectrograms and sound spectrum software (Raven Pro 1.4 beta version; Avisoft
5.0.16, Germany). Anuran species are showing specificity according to habitat and environment
parameters. Anthropological activities such as urbanization; habitat loss and increased use of
pesticides are affecting the anurans at different levels.
Some species are ecologically hard because they are stable, while others are sensitive
because sharply declining with concern to anthropogenic changes.Threats to anuran
populationsThe Threats which were observed during study were categirized into 2 groups1 Mining,

Deforestation, Urbanization and other Anthropogenic activities.2. Landslides soil erosion (air and
water), reduction in ground water level, desiccation of
Open water sources ponds, lakes, rivers and streams.
Theses are the factors responsible for population decline of anuran fauna at Aravalli
ranges.
Water bodies which are breeding grounds of anurans are transacted by roads and
national highways has caused heavy mortality due to road accidents among the breeding
individuals during rainy season.
Urbanization has taken away the habitat of deeper burrowing species such as
Sphaerotheca breviceps, Sphaerotheca rolandae ; Uperodon systoma and those which inhabit short
burrows and crevices . Hoplobatrachus tigerinus; Microhyla ornate; Limnocharis; Duttaphrynus
stomaticus, Duttaphrynus melanostictus. The buildings and roads above their burrows and hiding
places have permanently buried them in the ground where they are unable to come out
during rainy season.
In some parts of Aravallis Euphylictis cyanophlyctis inhabit in cemented tanks , Khels
as drinking water bodies for cattles, but due to scanty rains, less available water, these tanks are
accumulating high TDS and Fluorides which adversely affect the early developmental stages of
anurans.
Introduction of genetically modified crops and extensive use of fertilizers during
monsoon period, which get accumulated in the water bodies which are breeding grounds of
amphibians this results in mortality of developmental stages of anurans.
Deforestation and defragmentation have exposed the young ones to predator
birds.Illegal use of anuran species in practical classes Schools, Colleges, Universities, has caused
heavy loss of some species such as Euphlyctis cyanophlictis, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus. Although
there is government ban on frogs dissection, still there are some institutes which are using these
animals in practical classes.
Some Research scholars who are not familiar with ethical norms collect large number
of breeding animals of a species During premonsoon and monsoon period they kill the animal
in in formalin filled container for identification. Often more than 100 animals are collected for
morphological observation this has resulted complete loss of some species In the study area.In
some villages another cruel activity was observed by putting straw in cloaca (Uperodon systoma)
& blowing air in the body until it bursts & animal is dead. This is done just for fun.These
are the threats which were observed by investigators during field observation.
Results are encouraging but it will take many years to re-establish the species.
Image 1

Image 2
Image 3
Image4

Image 5
Image 6
Image7

Image 8
Image 9
V. Summary and Conclusion
The anurans show highest diversity among Indian amphibians inhabiting all types of
habitat such as aquatic, terrestrial, semiarborial and arborial.The amphibians of India show a high
level of endemism. In 2010 , ZSI has documented a total of 311 amphibian species in India
(Dinesh et al.) . Out of these 9 species are found in Ajmer. Around 5.56% of total area available
for land utilization is covered under forest. Some species were heavily collected for international
frog legs trade Legal export of this species from India to Bangladesh has been banned since 1896.
Still some illegal trade is going on. Loss of wetlend habitat, water pollution, drought,
pesticides, agrochemicals, infrastructure development are main threats to amphibians. Aravalli
Mountains are Marvellous to be viewed, since these are oldest Mountains of the world . But the faunal
diversity is rapidly decreasing, due to mining and fast rate of urbanisation. Zinc mining and cutting of
mountains to obtain rock for building houses and buildings is the main cause for loss of biodiversity . Fast
steps should be taken and hard laws should be introduced to stop the loss of biodiversity.
VI. Conservations strategies and suggestions
Environmental Awareness and SEVA ( Save Environment And Welfare of animals)
and Rajputana society of natural history (RSNH) are developing awareness activities to prevent
the threats.Efforts have been made to establish new habitat and reintroduce the species to their
suitable habitat.

1. Strict laws should be imposed to stop minning and mountain cutting, since Aravallis are the
oldest mountains of the world and habitat of many amphibians and it will lead to biodiversity loss.
2. The local people should be educated and made aware of effects and consequences of Biodiversity loss
.
3. Documentation of biodiversity is an urgent requirement as latest statistics and data on floral and faunal
biodiversity has not been compiled and documented.
4 .Degradation / Fragmentation of habitat extinction of species and destruction of unique habitat need to be
monitored.
5. A programme ― Eco –development ― for in situ conservation of biological diversity involving local
communities has been initiated in recent years, for sustained conservation of ecosystem by involving the local
communities with maintenance of earmarked regions surrounding protected areas.
6. Increase allocation of financial resources for conservation of biodiversity.
7. To conserve representative ecosystem, a biosphere reserve programme should be implemented.
8. Aravallis should also be included in Biosphere reserves.
9.Major central acts relevant to biodiversity include forest act , and wildlife protection act, 1972, Forest
conservation act 1980 and environment protection act 1986.
10. The author in collaboration with environmental awareness and animal welfare organizations such
as Save Environment and Welfare of animals (Sewa ) and Rajputana Society of Natural History
(RSNH) to prevent all the above described threats. Efforts have been made to establish new habitat
and introduce the species to suitable habitat Results re encouraging but it will take years and more
efforts to regain what has been lost.
Acknowledgement
The first author would like to thank her Principal and Department of Zoology Samrat
Prithviraj Chouhan Government College Ajmer for allowing her to do the work and publish the
paper.
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Distribution, Threats and Conservation Strategies of Anurans at Central Aravalli foothills of Ajmer, Rajasthan India.

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