Description of method used inherpetological diversity of Maharashtra?
Hello,
Herpetological Diversity is mainly done to save our reptile faunal diversity, reptiles are one of the most important creatures of the animal kingdom and evolutionarily linked between amphibians and birds. They also play an important role in the food chain as a predator and prey for the other animals (birds).The reptiles are including crocodiles, alligators, skinks, lizards, snakes, pythons and turtles live in the varied in habitat.
The Vidarbha region classified biogeographically as the Central Deccan Plateau and covers the districts of Amravati, Washim and Yavatmal. Topographically, the region is flat undulating terrain, devoid of any major hill ranges. The Satpura Range lies to the North of Vidarbha. The Melghat hills of Amravati district form the southern offshoot of the Satpura Range. The Reptile fauna of 'Vidarbha' were investigated during the year March 2002 to December 2013. Random surveys were carried out in the all forest area as well as urban areas of Vidarbha. A total of 68 species of reptiles belonging to 16 families were recorded. Most reptiles recorded belong to the family Colubridae (11), followed by Geckonidae (09), Scincidae (05).
Recent years it has been observed that the populations of reptiles are declining due to number of reasons, such as destruction of forest areas, habitat loss, illegal trades for skins and flesh, poaching, anthropogenic pressure and road kill by heavy traffic further adds to this loss. It is needed to save our reptile faunal diversity by taking all the possible protection measure.