Mudumalai’s Hidden Gems: Over 80 Species of Reptiles and Amphibians Recorded in Udhagai Division Survey

There were 51 species of reptiles and 31 species of amphibians recorded in the Udhagai Division of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu.

A recent assessment of the herpetofauna species in the Udhagai Division of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve revealed the existence of 82 herpetofauna species, including 51 species of reptiles and 31 species of amphibians. According to Tmt. C. Vidhya, IFS, Deputy Director of Udhagai Division, MTR. This survey was the first one exclusively organised for the herpetofauna species of the Udhagai Division of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. It was conducted based on the advice of Thiru D. Venkatesh, IFS, MTR Circle, Tamil Nadu Forest Department’s Conservator of Forests and Field Director. The survey was planned and executed under the guidance of Deputy Directors of Udhagai Division of MTR, Tmt. C. Vidhya, IFS, respectively.

The Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, located in the Nilgiris district, is spread across 688.59 sq. km. It is situated at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu and is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The elevation of the hills and forests ranges from 450 m to 2065 m. This reserve provides a vast conservation landscape for tigers and Asian elephants. It comprises a core and a buffer zone for effective management.

The survey conducted at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve was a collaborative initiative led by the Aranyakam Nature Foundation, based in Kerala, and Urvanam Nature and Wildlife Conservation, headquartered in Tamil Nadu, in conjunction with the dedicated forest team at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. The coordination on the ground was expertly handled by the reserve’s range officers, prominently featuring Mr Manoj Kumar, FRO, who played a crucial role in orchestrating the collaboration between the organising NGOs and the reserve’s forest team.

The team comprised participants from Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Experts from Aranyakam Nature Foundation, Dr Sandeep Das, Dr Rajkumar KP, Mr Nithin Divakar and Mr Dhruvaraj S coordinated the data collection and identification of amphibians and reptiles. Mr. P.R. Vishwanath represented Urvanam Nature and Wildlife Conservation from Madurai. Their collective expertise and efforts were vital in the planning and successfully executing the survey, working seamlessly with the forest team at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.

A total of 17 teams comprising 51 experts, student volunteers, and more than 100 MTR field officials took part in an exercise to survey herpetofaunal species in the MTR Udhagai Division’s four ranges: Theppakadu, Kargudi, Mudumalai, and Nelakottai. The survey was designed to sample all representative habitats and achieve maximum species diversity. Before the survey, all participants were briefed on the methodology and safety measures. The survey took place between February 23rd and 25th, 2024 and yielded 82 herpetofauna species, including 51 species of reptiles and 31 species of amphibians. The species belonged to 14 families of reptiles and 12 families of amphibians. According to the survey, the Herpetofaunal population was found to be healthy.

At the end of the survey, DD Udhagai Division addressed the participants and forest staff and emphasised the importance of documenting the Herpetofaunal species present within the Tiger Reserve. These species are crucial components of the ecosystem and reflect the health of the habitat. The survey aimed to establish baseline data for herpetofauna species in the Udhagai Division of the Tiger Reserve. This data would be used to create a specific management plan for their protection. Visitors to the Reserve would receive more information about nature beyond mammals, and the knowledge gained from such surveys would be directed towards enhancing eco-tourism.

A total of 51 species of reptiles and 31 species of amphibians from five orders have been sighted in the Tiger Reserve. Notably, the reserve has recorded new sightings of important species such as the Nilgiri Slender Gecko, Sahyadri Vine Snake, Kakkayam Bush Frog, Glandular Bush Frog, and Kempholey Night Frog. Additionally, 17 endemic reptiles and 11 endemic amphibians are found in the Western Ghats.

At the closing meeting on the third day evening, the DD Udhagai Division of MTR presented certificates of appreciation to the participants and field staff. The meeting also discussed the Herpetofaunal survey, which covered the different seasons, including summer, pre-monsoon, and post-monsoon. Additionally, they talked about extending the scope of future surveys to include the Ants survey.