Depletion of forest covers posing threat to lizards

[Guest guest]

Link: www.assamtribune.com

 

Depletion of forest covers posing threat to lizards

By Kabita Duarah

GUWAHATI, Sept 4 — It is not unusual to find many still relying on

this docile species to `confirm' the authenticity of words uttered.

Their `tick tick' sounds come in handy while arguing a point.

 

A valuable animal from the ecological perspective, the house lizard

however is the least bothered of all of species in the city.

 

Though Guwahati and its surrounding environs support a rich lizard

diversity, not many are aware about other greatly endangered

reptiles and amphibians.

 

Wildlife lovers and herpetologists have observed 17 species of

lizards belonging to 11 genera and four families in and around the

city so far. This vertebrate group, which has immense importance in

the ecosystem because of its dual role as predator and prey, is at

present facing threat to its very existence.

 

" Removal of hillock and green covers in the city has posed a threat

to some species of lizards, " said Abhijit Das, a herpetologist.

 

The forest covers in the city like Kamakshya hill forest, Jalukbari

forest, Hengrabari forest, Khanapara hill area, and adjoining larger

forest covers like Garbhanga Reserve Forest, Rani and Basistha area

are home to various species of lizards.

 

But the depleting green covers and hillocks and stone quarrying have

become a matter of concern for the herpetologists. Species like the

green fan throated lizard (ptycotolaemus gularis), the Assamese day

gecko (cnemaspis assamensis) etc, have been increasingly exposed to

threat due to loss of their habitat.

 

" Some species like garden lizard and skinks have adapted themselves

in the city environment and they are found around human habitation.

But this is not the case with all species, " explained Das.

 

These fascinating reptiles are not only struggling to find a place

for themselves, they are also increasingly falling prey to human

beings looking out for lizard food.

 

The lizard species locally famous as gui xap, is killed for food in

many parts in the city.

 

On the other hand, misconceptions about some species like the tockay

gecko (gekko gecko) or keko xap, that it is venomous, has led to its

killing at first sight itself.

 

" Documentation of this highly threatened herpe to faunal diversity

in and around the city is of paramount importance at this hour,

otherwise we may lose forever much of this diversity before they are

documented " , said Das.

 

Despite helping the human race by acting as controller of insect

pests and rodents, this diversity remains poorly acknowledged.