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January 2012 | Volume 5 | Number 2 | e38
Amphibian & Reptile Conservation 5(2):52-64.
Range extension for Duttaphrynus kotagamai (Amphibia:
Bufonidae) and a preliminary checklist of herpetofauna from
the Uda Mäliboda Trail in Samanala Nature Reserve, Sri Lanka
1,3
INDIKA PEABOTUWAGE,
2,4
I. NUWAN BANDARA,
*3
DINAL SAMARASINGHE,
3
NIRMALA PERERA,
3
MAJINTHA MADAWALA,
2,4
CHAMARA AMARASINGHE,
5
H. K. DUSHANTHA KANDAMBI, AND
†3,5
D. M. S. SURANJAN KARUNARATHNA
1
Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, SRI LANKA
2
Youth Exploration Society of Sri Lanka, PO Box
82, Gannoruwa, SRI LANKA
3
Young Zoologists’ Association, Department of National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala 10350, SRI LANKA
4
“El-
langaawa” Unity care for Community & Nature, No: 1/112, Hapugoda, Ambatenna 20136, SRI LANKA
5
Nature Exploration & Education Team,
B-1/G-6, De Soysapura Flats, Moratuwa 10400, SRI LANKA
Abstract.—Uda Mäliboda Trail is an unstudied, remarkable forest located in the northwest region
of Samanala Nature Reserve (SNR) in Sri Lanka’s wet zone. Here we report the first record of D.
kotagamai from Uda Mäliboda Trail and the lowest elevation records of four highland Rhacophorid
frogs: Pseudophilautus alto, P. asankai, P. femoralis, and Taruga eques. Further, we present results
of a preliminary study of herpetofaunal diversity in Uda Mäliboda Trail. Thirty-four amphibian (26
endemic and 19 Threatened) and 59 reptile (32 endemic and 19 Threatened) species were observed.
This wet zone forest supports high herpetofaunal diversity; however activities such as deforesta-
tion, human encroachment, mining, agriculture, dumping, road construction, and a hydroelectric
power station threaten the ecology of this biologically diverse forest.
Key words. Amphibians, awareness, conservation, Duttaphrynus, global biodiversity hotspot, Pseudophilautus,
reptiles, Sri Lanka, threatened, wet zone
Citation: Peabotuwage I, Bandara IN, Samarasinghe D, Perera N, Madawala M, Amarasinghe C, Kandambi HKD, Karunarathna DMSS. 2012. Range
extension for Duttaphrynus kotagamai (Amphibia: Bufonidae) and a preliminary checklist of herpetofauna from the Uda Mäliboda Trail in Samanala
Nature Reserve, Sri Lanka. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation 5(2):52-64 (e38).
Correspondence. Email:
†
dmsameera@gmail.com and
*
dinal.salvator@gmail.com
Copyright: © 2012 Peabotuwage et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original author and source are credited.
Introduction
Western Ghats and Sri Lanka have collectively been des-
ignated a global biodiversity hotspot (Mittermeier et al.
2004; Myers et al. 2000). Favorable environmental fac-
tors such as high rainfall, humidity, and a high density
of undergrowth vegetation in this region have assisted in
sustaining regional diversity and distinctness (Bossuyt et
al. 2005; Gunawardene et al. 2007). Sri Lanka comprises
the smaller portion of the hotspot, with a total land area
of 65,610 km
2
. Despite its small size, the region has a
spectacular assemblage of amphibians and reptiles. Re-
cent molecular studies on amphibians (Rhacophorids
and Caecilians) and Uropeltid snakes have shown that
Sri Lanka has maintained a fauna distinct from the In-
dian mainland (Bossuyt et al. 2004; Meegaskumbura et
al. 2002; Pethiyagoda 2005), yet these subregions are
separated only by about 300 kilometers (direct distance).
Of Sri Lanka’s three major climatic zones (wet, in-
termediate, and dry) the wet zone harbors a significant-
ly high level of herpetofaunal diversity and endemism
(Bambaradeniya et al. 2003; Senanayake et al. 1977;
Wijesinghe and Dayawansa 2002). The wet zone receives
abundant rainfall (annual average 3,000 mm), has con-
siderable forest cover, and maintains favorable humid-
ity and temperatures to support such high herpetofaunal
diversity. Previous studies have noted that some herpeto-
faunal species as well as the wet zone forests themselves
are threatened due to a variety of human activities (e.g.,
IUCN-SL and MENR-SL 2007). Many wet zone forests
have yet to be studied. Uda Mäliboda in the Kegalle dis-
trict (Sabaragamuwa Province) is one such unstudied wet
zone forest.
Kotagama’s dwarf toad (Duttaphrynus kotagamai)
is endemic and Endangered and is one of the rarest
bufonids in Sri Lanka (De Silva 2009). Originally de-
scribed from the Sinharaja World Heritage Site in 1994
by Prithiviraj Fernando and Nihal Dayawansa (Fernando
et al. 1994) this toad is known only from the Kitulgala,
Massena, Erathna, and Delwala forest areas (Dutta and
Manamendra-Arachchi 1996; Goonatilake and Goonati-
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Peabotuwage et al.
lake 2001). It favors a few primary lowland rain forests
in the wet zone with elevations below 1,070 m (IUCN-
SL 2011). According to Manamendra-Arachchi and
Pethiyagoda (2006) the holophoront (USNM 311595 H)
has been lost from the National Museum of Natural His-
tory, Washington, D.C. (USA). Herein we describe new
localities and a range extension for D. kotagamai from
a lowland rain forest in the northwestern boundary of
the Samanala Nature Reserve (SNR) and further provide
a preliminary checklist of herpetofauna from the Uda
Mäliboda Forest area.
Materials and methods
We used visual encounter survey methods (Crump and
Scott 1994) to conduct herpetofaunal surveys for a to-
tal of 17 days and nights between 2006 and 2011. Night
searches were performed using headlamps and flash-
lights. We searched specific microhabitats including un-
derneath stones and decaying logs, inside tree holes, and
other potential herpetofaunal retreats. Road kills and data
from animals dispatched by villagers were also used as
sources of information. Specimens were hand captured,
photographed, identified using field guides and scientific
publications (Ashton et al. 1997; De Silva 2009; Dutta
and Manamendra-Arachchi 1996; Maduwage et al 2009;
Manamendra-Arachchi et al. 2007; Manamendra-Arach-
chi and Pethiyagoda 2006; Meegaskumbura et al. 2010;
Somaweera 2006; Somaweera and Somaweera 2009; Vo-
gel and Rooijen 2011; Wickramasinghe et al. 2007a, b),
and then released back to the original capture site without
injury. Species nomenclature was based on Frost et al.
(2006), Kotaki et al. (2010), Sumida et al. (2007), and
Senaratna (2001), and conservation status was evaluated
on the IUCN-SL and MENR-SL (2007).
Study area and habitats
The Samanala Nature Reserve (SNR) is one of the larg-
est and most important forest areas for endemic biodiver-
sity in Sri Lanka and is owned by the Central Highlands
World Heritage Centre (UNESCO 2011). The Study area
lies between 6°53’01.58’’ N and 80°26’31.18’’ E with
elevations ranging from 300-700 m (Fig. 1). This forest
area is part of the Kegalle district in Sabaragamuwa Prov-
ince. Average annual rainfall ranges from 3,000-4,500
mm and the average annual temperature is 27.9 °C (Fig.
2). The vegetation of Uda Mäliboda Trail is categorized
as lowland wet evergreen forest (Gunatilleke and Guna-
tilleke 1990) and is comprised of the following dominant
genera: Doona, Stemonoporus, Calophyllum, Syzygium,
Shorea, Dipterocarpus, Cullenia, and Mesua (Table 1).
Pilgrims use four main trails annually between Decem-
ber and April to reach Adams Peak to worship. The Uda
Mäliboda Trail starts from the “Uda Mäliboda village”
and continues through Madáhinna (Kuruwita trail) via
Adams Peak (elevation 2,245 m). This is the longest trail
and is seldom used by pilgrims since it consists of rough
terrain and narrow foot paths (Karunarathna et al. 2011).
Figure 1. Map of study area (sky view source: Google map).
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Uda Mäliboda trail and a preliminary herpetofaunal checklist
Results and discussion
New record for D. kotagamai
We report the occurrence of the Endangered, rare, and
endemic D. kotagamai (Fernando and Dayawansa 1994)
from Uda Mäliboda forest (Uda Mäliboda Trail) in the
northwest region of the Samanala Nature Reserve (SNR
= Peak Wilderness Sanctuary). According to Fernando
et al. (1994), this species is distinguished from other
Duttaphrynus species known from Sri Lanka and south-
ern India by combination of the following characters:
prominent parietal ridges on the head; long and narrow
unlobulated parotoid glands; most areas of the anterior
back are smooth; warts present on upper flank, supraor-
bital, and parietal ridges; tips of digits and tips of spinous
warts black; first finger slightly longer than second finger
(Fernando et al. 1994). Coloration in life is described as:
orange-brown on dorsal surface mottled with dark brown
(juveniles dorsal color is light golden); light cross band
between eyes and distinct dark cross band on forearm,
forefoot, tarsus, and tibia; less distinct cross band on up-
per arm and femur; lower jaw with alternate dark and
light markings; ventral surface whitish mottled with dark
brown, especially over sternum.
Eleven D. kotagamai were encountered during our
survey. These toads were only found in primary forest
and absent from human-disturbed areas. Except for one
specimen, all were found within ~10 m of a small stream.
(Fig. 3), and all but four individuals were observed at
night. Three individuals from Uda Mäliboda measured:
two males SVL 32.6 mm, 35.2 mm, and a female SVL
38.5 mm. We also found D. kotagamai in another previ-
ously unknown locality on an adjacent mountain in De-
raniyagala in Kegalle district (Table 2). This mountain
is located about five km north of Uda Mäliboda. There
are no previous records of D. kotagamai from the Uda
Mäliboda Trail (SNR; see De Silva 2009; Dutta and
Manamendra-Arachchi 1996; IUCN-SL 2011; Mana-
mendra-Arachchi and Pethiyagoda 2006; Goonatilake
and Goonatilake 2001). The Uda Mäliboda locality is
approximately six km (direct distance) from “Eratne”
(Kuru river basin), the nearest published location. The
direct distance between the onymotope and the new loca-
tion is about 80 km. All of these areas have closed cano-
pies with wet and cool habitats (Fig. 4).
Figure 2. View of forest in Uda Maliboda (larger water resource in the SNR).
Prominent layer
Plant species diversity
Canopy
Adinandra lasiopetala, Bhesa ceylanica, Calophyllum trapezifolium, Cullenia ceylanica, Shorea affinis, S. gardneri,
Litsea gardneri, and Palaquium rubiginosum
Subcanopy
Apodytes dimidiata, Artocarpus nobilis, Calophyllum walkeri, Caryota urens, Cinnamomum ovalifolium, Crypto-
carya wightiana, Dillenia triquetra, Elaeocarpus amoenus, Eugenia mabaeoides, Garcinia quaesita, Gordonia spe-
ciosa, Madhuca moonii, Mesua ferrea, Oncosperma fasciculatum, Schumacheria alnifolia, Stemonoporus gardneri,
S. oblongifolia, Syzygium firmum, and S. turbinatum
Climbers
Calamus thwaitesii, Cosinium fenestratum, Cyclea peltata, Freycinetia walkeri, Rubus rugosus, and Smilax
perfoliata
Understory
Acronychia pedunculata, Agrostistachys coriacea, Alpinia abundiflora, Amomum echinocarpum, Amomum masti-
catorium, Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, Arundina graminifolia, Calanthes sp., Cinnamomum verum, Clusia rosea,
Cyathea crinita, Hedychium coronarium, Hortonia ovalifolia, Ipsea speciosa, Macaranga indica, Neolitsea cassia,
Osbeckia aspera, Osbeckia lantana, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Strobilanthes sp., Syzygium cordifolium, Syzygium
revolutum, and Utricularia striatula
Table 1. Floral species presence in different level of Uda Mäliboda area (Uda Mäliboda Trail in SNR).
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Peabotuwage et al.
Based on the infrequent calls heard during our sur-
vey periods this species is presumably rare in Uda Mäli-
boda. It is aggressive when handled and releases a low-
pitched distress call “crick, crick, crick…”. With two
new locations and a subsequent range extension, we can
trace the probable distribution of D. kotagamai prior to
fragmentation. The new locations indicate a larger distri-
bution than previously concluded. As a result of severe
fragmentation and habitat degradation in the area, local
extinctions of previous populations have likely occurred
in the past with current populations known only from a
few isolated primary forest patches.
Herpetofaunal diversity
During the study we encountered 34 amphibian species
representing 15 genera and seven families (Table 3).
Among those genera Adenomus, Lankanectes, Nannoph-
rys, and Taruga are endemic to Sri Lanka. Our results
show that at least 31% of Sri Lanka’s extant amphib-
ians occur in the Uda Mäliboda area (Fig. 5). Twenty-
six of the 34 species encountered (76%) are endemic,
five (14%) are considered Near Threatened, four (11%)
are Vulnerable, and ten (29%) are classified as Endan-
gered (IUCN-SL and MENR-SL 2007). Families with
the greatest number of endemic species include Rhaco-
phoridae (16 species) and Dicroglossidae (six species),
while the family Ichthyophiidae, Ranidae (two species
each) and Nyctibatrachidae (one species) show the low-
est rates of endemism. When considering the 34 species
by their primary mode of living, 15 (44.1%) were arbo-
real, 10 (29.4%) terrestrial, seven (20.6%) aquatic, and
two (5.9%) fossorial species.
Most amphibian species observed after brief peri-
ods of rain since many species frequently use temporary
pools created by these showers. Two large streams course
forest acting as barriers that restrict some species to par-
ticular habitats. Among the most commonly encountered
amphibians were Pseudophilautus folicola, found on
low growing woody vegetation near water bodies under
closed canopy, and Fejervarya kirtisinghei, occurred
near water bodies lacking canopy. Four Endangered and
endemic highland species: P. alto (1,890-2,135 m eleva-
tion), P. asankai (810-1,830 m), P. femoralis (1,600-
2,135 m), and Taruga eques (1,750-2,300 m; Manamen-
dra-Arachchi and Pethiyagoda 2006) were encountered
at this study site, approximately 700 m elevation (lowest
elevation ever recorded for these species).
We report a range extension for Pseudophilautus
sarasinorum, an Endangered species previously known
only from the following localities: Peradeniya (07°16’
N, 80°37’ E; Onymotope); Bogawanthalawa-Balangoda
road (near 25th km post), elevation 1,300 m (06°45’ N,
80°2’ E); Corbett’s Gap, elevation 1,000 m (07°22’ N,
80°50’ E); Hunnasgiriya, elevation 367 m (07°23’ N,
80º41’ E); Agra Arboretum, elevation 1,555 m (06º50’
Figure 3. Cascade habitat: shrub mixed with riverine forest
patch.
Figure 4. Inside forest: tall trees, mixed vegetation with good
leaf litter.
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Uda Mäliboda trail and a preliminary herpetofaunal checklist
N, 80º40’ E; Manamendra-Arachchi and Pethiyagoda
2005). Sumida et al. (2007) suggested the Sri Lankan
population of F. limnocharis (in Dutta and Manamendra-
Arachchi 1996; Manamendra-Arachchi and Pethiyagoda
2006) could be F. syhadrensis. However, recent molecu-
lar evidence revealed the Sri Lankan population of F. cf.
syhadrensis is a separate and unnamed population be-
longing to a unique clade, together with F. granosa and
F. pierrei (Kotaki et al. 2010). Therefore, we refrain from
referring to the third Fejervarya species in Sri Lanka
as F. limnocharis (in Dutta and Manamendra-Arachchi
1996; Manamendra-Arachchi and Pethiyagoda 2006)
and instead refer it to as F. cf. syhadrensis.
Fifty-nine species of reptiles representing 37 gen-
era from 11 families were recorded during these surveys
(Table 4). Among those genera Aspidura, Balanophis,
Ceratophora, Cercaspis, Haplocercus, Lankascincus,
Lyriocephalus, and Nessia are considered endemic to
Sri Lanka. Twenty-eight percent of Sri Lanka’s extant
reptiles were recorded in the study area (Fig. 5) includ-
ing 28 species of lizards and 31 species of snakes. Of
these 59 reptile species 32 (54%) are endemic, six (10%)
Data Deficient, ten (17%) Near Threatened, five (8%)
Vulnerable, and four (7%) Endangered (IUCN-SL and
MENR-SL 2007). Families with the greatest species rep-
resentation include Colubridae (17 species), Scincidae
(11 species), and Gekkonidae (nine species), while the
least represented family were Cylindrophidae, Pythoni-
dae, and Typhlopidae (one species each). The highest
number of endemic species were in the family Scincidae
(nine species) and Colubridae (seven species), while the
lowest number were in Cylindrophidae, Elapidae, and
Typhlopidae (one species each). When considering the
59 species by primary mode of living: 24 (40.7%) were
terrestrial, 21 (35.6%) arboreal, 11 (18.6%) fossorial, and
three (5.1%) aquatic species.
Among the reptiles, Otocryptis wiegmanni, Lankas-
cincus greeri, Dendrelaphis schokari, and Hypnale zara
were the most commonly encountered species in and
around footpaths. One unidentified species from the ge-
nus Cyrtodactylus was recorded during this survey and
may be new to science. Several species of lizards (Cne-
maspis scalpensis, C. silvula, Hemiphyllodactylus typus,
Eutropis beddomii, and Varanus bengalensis) and snakes
(Boiga beddomei, Cercaspis carinatus, Haplocercus cey-
lonensis, Aspidura guentheri, Balanophis ceylonensis,
and Typhlops mirus) are noteworthy records. The Uda
Mäliboda forest area also supports three highly venom-
ous snakes: Bungarus ceylonicus (Sri Lanka krait), Da-
boia russelii (Russell’s viper), and Naja naja (Indian co-
bra). Hence, both venomous and non-venomous snakes
are frequently killed in this area due to fear and igno-
rance as a precautionary measure against snakebites. We
failed to record any turtle species in the area, possibly
due to low water temperatures in streams.
Date
Sex
Micro-habitat
18 January 2009
Male
Mid-stream boulder
Male
Forest floor with leaf litter
Female
Stream-bank boulder
17 April 2009
Female
Rock crevice
Male
Stream-bank boulder
25 December 2009
Male
Stream-bank
07 May 2010
Male
Stream-bank
Male
Stream-bank
22 August 2010
Female
Forest floor with leaf litter
Male
On footpath
03 October 2011
Male
Stream-bank boulder
Table 2. Description of the 11 observed D. kotagamai individu-
als during the study period from Uda Mäliboda.
Figure 5. Comparison of amphibian (left) and reptile (right) diversity of Uda Mäliboda area with rest of the Sri Lankan species
(Abbreviations: NOSL – total number of species in Sri Lanka; NOU – total number of species in Uda Mäliboda; ENSL – number
of endemic species to Sri Lanka; ENU – number of endemic species in Uda Mäliboda; TRSL – number of threatened species in Sri
Lanka and TRU – number of threatened species in Uda Mäliboda).
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Threats and conservation
We believe the high diversity in wet zone forest habitats
is due mainly to availability of abundant suitable micro-
habitat features (e.g., tree holes, caves, tree barks, rock
boulders, crevices, water holes, decaying logs, loose soil,
and other small niches) which create favorable environ-
mental conditions for herpetofauna. According to our re-
sults, Uda Mäliboda area has a rich herpetofaunal diver-
sity and endemism compared with other wet zone forests
in Sri Lanka. A large number of people including tourists,
devotees, and laborers annually visit Adams Peak via
Uda Mäliboda Trail located within the SNR. As a result
endemic and Threatened species, like many other fauna,
are seriously affected by increasing pressure caused by
habitat loss and degradation in montane forests, lower
montane forests, and marshes. Major threats identified in-
clude illegal timber harvesting, illegal human encroach-
ment, slash and burn forest clearing for human settlement
and monoculture plantations (especially for tea cultiva-
tion), and gem mining. According to interviews with il-
legal timber harvesters, some rare tree species may be
new to science are being harvested. Therefore, a further
comprehensive study of flora is recommended.
Present human activities, the most severe being the
construction of a hydroelectric power plant, continue to
degrade and erode the remaining vestiges of this lush pri-
mary forest. Additionally, garbage (polythene) disposal
along the Uda Mäliboda Trail by visitors and devotees is
a threat that must be duly monitored by the Department
of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) and the Forest Depart-
ment (FD) of Sri Lanka. The Young Zoologists’ Associa-
tion (YZA) together with the Central Environmental Au-
thority (CEA) has conducted annual polythene removal
programs on other trail (Hatton) of SNR for the past 10
years. This has prompted other Government institutions
and non-governmental organizations to engage in similar
activities. We recommend that such programs be initiated
on this trail in order to prevent further degradation of this
lush forest.
Some human-altered landscapes such as tea planta-
tions and Pinus, Eucalyptus, Cyprus, and Casuarina for-
est plantations are located in the foothills of the SNR.
Most of these altered landscapes can be found up to
about 800 m in elevation. There is an ongoing hydroelec-
tric power plant development project in the study area
(Fig. 6) and increased road traffic further threatens the
area’s fauna. Since a considerable area of the forest is
altered by human activity, herpetofauna face increased
threats because, in general, they are often highly sensi-
tive to even slight environmental changes (e.g., McCal-
lum 2007; Pough et al. 2004; Spellerberg 1991). Thus,
the identification and designation of forest reserves on
the perimeter of the SNR could function as suitable buf-
fer zones. Additionally, public awareness programs are
needed to help guide local people and policy makers de-
Peabotuwage et al.
Family and species name
Common name
Bufonidae
Adenomus kelaartii
Kelaart’s dwarf toad
E
Duttaphrynus kotagamai
Kotagama’s dwarf toad
E, EN
Duttaphrynus melanostictus
Common house toad
Microhylidae
Kaloula taprobanica
Common bull frog
Microhyla rubra
Red narrow mouth frog
Ramanella nagaoi
Nagao’s pugsnout frog
E, VU
Ramanella obscura
Green-brown pugsnout frog
E, NT
Nyctibatrachidae
Lankanectes corrugatus
Corrugated water frog
E
Dicroglossidae
Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis
Skipper frog
Euphlyctis hexadactylus
Sixtoe green frog
Fejervarya kirtisinghei
Montain paddy field frog
E
Fejervarya cf. syhadrensis
Common paddy field frog
Hoplobatrachus crassus
Jerdon’s bull frog
Nannophrys ceylonensis
Sri Lanka rock frog
E, VU
Rhacophoridae
Pseudophilautus abundus
Labugagama shrub frog
E
Pseudophilautus alto
Horton plains shrub frog
E, EN
Pseudophilautus asankai
Asanka’s shrub frog
E, EN
Pseudophilautus cavirostris
Hollow snouted shrub frog
E, EN
Pseudophilautus femoralis
Leafnesting shrub frog
E, EN
Pseudophilautus folicola
Leaf dwelling shrub frog
E, EN
Pseudophilautus hoipolloi
Anthropogenic shrub frog
E
Pseudophilautus popularis
Common shrub frog
E
Pseudophilautus reticulatus
Reticulated-thigh shrub frog
E, EN
Pseudophilautus rus
Kandiyan shrub frog
E, NT
Pseudophilautus sarasinorum
Muller’s shrub frog
E, EN
Pseudophilautus sordidus
Grubby shrub frog
E, NT
Pseudophilautus stictomerus
Orange-canthal shrub frog
E, NT
Polypedates cruciger
Common hour-glass tree frog
E
Taruga eques
Mountain tree frog
E, EN
Taruga longinasus
Long-snout tree frog
E, EN
Ranidae
Hylarana aurantiaca
Small wood frog
VU
Hylarana temporalis
Common wood frog
E, NT
Ichthyophiidae
Ichthyophis glutinosus
Common yellow-band caecilian
E
Ichthyophis pseudangularis
Lesser yellow-band caecilian
E, VU
Table 3. Checklist of amphibian species in the Uda Mäliboda
area (Abbreviations: E – endemic; EN – Endangered; VU –
Vulnerable; NT – Near Threatened).
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velop agendas that consider the importance of herpeto-
fauna in maintaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem.
There is no doubt that SNR provides habitat for a
high number of amphibian and reptiles species (many
endemic and Threatened). We affirm that it is one of
the most important herpetofaunal diversity areas in Sri
Lanka, especially when considering the future conserva-
tion of endemic and threatened herpetofauna. Sri Lanka
is known as an important herpetofaunal global hotspot
(Bossuyt et al. 2004; Gunawardene et al. 2007; Meegas-
kumbura et al. 2002; Pethiyagoda 2005) and harbors an
unusually high number of endemic species. Therefore,
scientists and policy makers are strongly encouraged to
make efforts conducting further research on other fau-
nal groups, vegetation, and the forest’s ecosystem as a
whole. Furthermore, preserving the valuable herpetofau-
nal resources of the Uda Mäliboda Trail is paramount to
the conservation of global biological diversity.
Acknowledgments.—We would like to express our
sincere gratitude to Thasun Amarasinghe (Taprobanica)
for reviewing the earlier draft of the manuscript. We
also thank Mendis Wickramasinghe (HFS), Aruna Ka-
Uda Mäliboda trail and a preliminary herpetofaunal checklist
Family and
species name
Common name
Agamidae
Calotes calotes
Green garden lizard
Calotes liolepis
Whistling lizard
E, VU
Calotes versicolor
Common garden lizard
Ceratophora aspera
Rough horn lizard
E, EN
Lyriocephalus scutatus
Lyre-head lizard
E, NT
Otocryptis wiegmanni
Sri Lankan kangaroo lizard
E, NT
Gekkonidae
Cnemaspis scalpensis
Gannoruva day gecko
E, DD
Cnemaspis silvula
Forest day gecko
E
Cyrtodactylus cf. subsolanus
Forest gecko sp.
Geckoella triedrus
Spotted bowfinger gecko
E, NT
Gehyra mutilata
Four-claw gecko
Hemiphyllodactylus typus
Slender gecko
EN
Hemidactylus depressus
Kandyan gecko
E
Hemidactylus frenatus
Common house gecko
Hemidactylus parvimaculatus Spotted house gecko
Scincidae
Eutropis beddomii
Beddome’s stripe skink
E, EN
Eutropis carinata
Common skink
Eutropis macularia
Bronzegreen little skink
Eutropis madaraszi
Spotted skink
E, NT
Lankascincus dorsicatenatus
Catenated lankaskink
E
Lankascincus fallax
Common lankaskink
E
Lankascincus gansi
Gans’s lankaskink
E, NT
Lankascincus greeri
Greer’s lankaskink
E
Lankascincus munindradasai Munidradasa’s lankaskink
E, DD
Lankascincus sripadensis
Peakwilderness lankaskink
E, DD
Nessia burtonii
Three toed snakeskink
E, EN
Varanidae
Varanus bengalensis
Land monitor
Varanus salvator
Water monitor
Pythonidae
Python molurus
Indian python
Cylindrophidae
Cylindrophis maculatus
Sri Lanka pipe snake
E, NT
Colubridae
Ahaetulla nasuta
Green vine snake
Ahaetulla pulverulenta
Brown vine snake
NT
Boiga barnesii
Barnes’s cat snake
E, NT
Boiga beddomei
Beddoms cat snake
DD
Boiga ceylonensis
Sri Lanka cat snake
VU
Cercaspis carinatus
Sri Lanka wolf snake
E, VU
Coeloganthus helena
Trinket snake
Dendrelaphis bifrenalis
Boulenger’s bronze back
E
Dendrelaphis caudolineolatus Gunther’s bronze back
Family and
species name
Common name
Colubridae (cont.)
Dendrelaphis schokari
Common bronze back
E
Haplocercus ceylonensis
Black spine snake
E, DD
Lycodon aulicus
Common wolf snake
Lycodon striatus
Shaw’s wolf snake
Oligodon calamarius
Templeton’s kukri snake
E, VU
Oligodon sublineatus
Dumerul’s kuki snake
E
Ptyas mucosa
Rat snake
Sibynophis subpunctatus
Jerdon’s polyodent
Natricidae
Amphiesma stolatum
Buff striped keelback
Aspidura guentheri
Ferguson’s roughside
E, NT
Balanophis ceylonensis
Sri Lanka keelback
E, VU
Atretium schistosum
Olive keelback
Xenochrophis asperrimus
Checkered keelback
E
Typhlopidae
Typhlops mirus
Jan’s blind snake
E, DD
Elapidae
Bungarus ceylonicus
Sri Lanka krait
E, NT
Naja naja
Indian cobra
Viperidae
Daboia russelii
Russell’s viper
Hypnale hypnale
Merrem’s hump nose viper
Hypnale zara
Zara’s hump-nosed viper
E
Trimeresurus trigonocephalus Green pit viper
E
Table 4. Checklist of reptile species in Uda Mäliboda area (Abbreviations: E – endemic; EN – Endangered; VU – Vulnerable; NT
– Near Threatened; DD – Data Deficient.
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Peabotuwage et al.
runathilake, Nadeesh Gamage, Mahesh De Silva (YZA),
Prof. Deepthi Yakandawala, Dr. Suranjan Fernando (Uni-
versity of Peradeniya), and other members of the Young
Zoologists’ Association of Sri Lanka (YZA) for various
help with this study. Villagers in the Uda Mäliboda area
are acknowledged for their cooperation, sharing their ob-
servations, and logistic support. Finally, we would like
to give our special thanks to John Rudge, Daniel Fogell,
Kanishka Ukuwela, and Craig Hassapakis (ARC) for
reviewing the initial daft of the manuscript and making
improvements.
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Manuscript received: 30 November 2011
Accepted: 26 December 2011
Published: 18 January 2012
Uda Mäliboda trail and a preliminary herpetofaunal checklist
Figure 23. Ceratophora aspera (Endangered).
Figure 24. Calotes liolepis (Vulnerable).
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Peabotuwage et al.
NUWAN BANDARA is a graduate from the University of Per-
adeniya, and his scientific exploration of biodiversity began
with the Youth Exploration Society of Sri Lanka (YES) in late
1990. As a member and former president of YES, he is conduct-
ing biodiversity conservation and education programs for the
Sri Lankan community. His specific fields of research interest
are ecosystem services, community-based conservation, tradi-
tional agricultural practices, ethnobotany, and local biodiversity
and behavioral ecology of herpetofauna and other wild fauna.
DINAL SAMARASINGHE is a Sri Lankan herpetologist,
wildlife photographer, and member of the Young Zoologists’
Association (YZA) based at the National Zoological Gardens
of Sri Lanka. His research is mainly focused on territoriality,
aggressive behavior, and vocal communication in anurans.
Presently, he leads a study on systematics, distribution patterns,
and ecology of the genus Varanus in India and Sri Lanka. Dinal
also works as a venom extractor at the Snake Venom Research
Laboratory and Herpetarium (SVRLH), Faculty of Medicine,
University of Colombo.
NIRMALA PERERA is a naturalist and has had a special in-
terest in amphibians and reptiles ever since his childhood. He
conducts various conservation events on biodiversity restora-
tion and education programs for the local community and as
an environmentalist, he is engaged in numerous snake rescue
programs. He is a member of the Young Zoologists’ Associa-
tion (YZA), National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka and cur-
rently works as a project manager (Human-Elephant Conflict
Program, Udawalawe) for the Born Free Foundation, Sri Lanka
country office.
INDIKA PEABOTUWAGE is a botanist working at the Depart-
ment of Botany, University of Peradeniya and has great skill in
botanical illustrating. He is a member of the Young Zoologists
Association (YZA) and president of the research committee.
During his career, he has participated in several national and
international training programs. At present, he works on sev-
eral plant based research projects and conserving the vanishing
biodiversity in Sri Lanka.
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January 2012 | Volume 5 | Number 2 | e38
Uda Mäliboda trail and a preliminary herpetofaunal checklist
CHAMARA AMARASINGHE is a researcher interested in
fauna and flora of Sri Lanka. He has a keen interest in freshwa-
ter ichthyofauna, butterflies, birds, marine mammals, and bats.
He is a wildlife artist and photographer engaged with the Youth
Exploration Society of Sri Lanka (YES). He started his passion
to explore much of the islands rare and endangered animals at
a very young age. Currently, he is working as a naturalist at
Jetwing Blue, a prestigious tourist hotel in Sri Lanka.
DUSHANTHA KANDAMBI is a researcher conducting and
supporting investigations on amphibians and reptiles. He is
also engaged in a captive breeding program on threatened spe-
cies and rescue events. Additionally, he promotes conservation
awareness of the importance of snake fauna among the Sri
Lankan community. He is a wildlife artist and photographer
enjoying nature.
SURANJAN KARUNARATHNA is a field biologist conduc-
ing research on amphibian and reptile ecology, and promot-
ing conservation awareness of the importance of biodiversity
among the Sri Lankan community. He began his career and
wildlife research in 2000, as a member of the Young Zoologists’
Association (YZA), National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka.
He worked as an ecologist for the IUCN Sri Lanka county of-
fice and is an active member of many specialist groups in the
IUCN/SSC.
MAJINTHA MADAWALA is a naturalist and conducts several
habitat restoration programs in many forest areas. He began his
career and wildlife interests in 1995 as a member of the Young
Zoologists’ Association (YZA), National Zoological Gardens
of Sri Lanka. He holds a Diploma in biodiversity management
from the University of Colombo. As a conservationist, he is
engaged in numerous snake rescue programs and funding for
ongoing research projects.
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