Salamanders
are one of the rarest and oldest amphibian creatures to be found
in the hills of Darjeeling, scientifically known as Tylotrotriton
verracocsus. Once regarded as totally extinct from the face of the
earth, it has been found living in the hills of Darjeeling since
1964 at Jorepokhri, 19 km from Darjeeling. It is understood that
this Himalayan Salamander is a very primitive and highly endangered
species. It figures in the Red Data Book of IUCN and included in
schedule No. I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 in India.
This Himalayan newt has rough skin, measuring about 160 mm to
170mm when it reaches full adulthood. This species is mostly condined
to Eastern Himalayas, from 4000ft to 8000ft elevation in this
mountain region.
Darjeeling
is endowed with plenty of natural ponds and marshy land where
water logging is formed during the months of May to September.
As the mating and breeding of Salamander needs water, the ponds
in the Darjeeling Hills need to be protected in order to conserve
this highly endangered species. Latter eggs laid in the marshy
land or ponds, develops into tadpoles which breath through the
gills like the fish. It remains in the water till such time when
its lungs are not fully developed and functional, but after the
full development of its lungs, it comes out from the water enabling
it to have extensive area for food availability. With the intiation
of the cold weather in the Darjeeling Hills, it starts looking
for warmer places in the crevices, under the tree roots, under
big boulders, from the month of late September to May. It hibernates
during the winter season and only comes out with the beginning
of the monsoon season. They come out and congregate in ponds for
mating and breeding purpose. They mostly feed on aquatic vegetations,
insects, smaller earthwarms etc.
On reaching adulthood it loses its aquatic character like the
gills, dorsal fins in favour of internal lungs, strong legs, rough
skin etc. The wart that appears on the surface of the body are
granular glands that produce an acrid fluid on stimulation and
serve as a deterrent to predators.
Now there is a lack of natural habitats in the region because
of developmental plans by the concerned authorities. Therefore
if the habitat or breeding places of Salamanders are not saved
or any other alternative suitable habitats are not arranged immediately
then this tiny creature which has been representing to the eco-system
for millions of years, might get totally extinct just because
of our selfish desires and apathy.
Darjeeling has been making humble appeal to every concerned individual,
organisation and Government for necessary support for the protection
of Salamanders in the Darjeeling Hills. But the responses have
found a negative ground.
© Bharat Prakash Rai
Secretary
F O S E P
Red Cross Building
Darjeeling
Photos © Bharat Prakash Rai
