Context

Recently, Sri Lankan golden-backed frog rediscovered after two centuries in the Koundinya wildlife sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh.

Sri Lankan Golden-backed Frog Rediscovered in Andhra Pradesh’s Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary After Two Centuries

• Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India, in partnership with the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board, rediscovered the rare species of Sri Lankan wetland frog, sighted in the Palamaner forest range of the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary in the Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh.
• Significance: The rediscovery provides evidence of a historic land bridge between India and Sri Lanka during the late Pleistocene period or the Ice Age
• With this finding, the number of freshwater frog species in India rises to 20.

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About Golden-Backed Frog

• Scientific Name: Hylarana gracilis
• It is a species of frog belonging to the Ranidae Family.
• Habitat: It is endemic to the Western Ghats of Karnataka and Kerala, thrives above the Palghat Gap. 
  • These thumb-sized frogs inhabit evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, preferring areas near streams, ponds, and other water bodies.
• Diet: Primarily insectivorous.
• Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation, pollution of water bodies, and the introduction of non-native species.

Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary

• It covers an area of 35,760 ha in Kuppam and Palmaner Ranges of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. 
• It is the only Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh known for harboring a population of Asian elephants
  • This sanctuary is part of Project Elephant, a nationwide elephant conservation initiative undertaken by the Government of India.
• Vegetation : 
  • The Sanctuary has Dry Deciduous forests, with thorny scrub interspersed with trees providing a good habitat for Asian Elephants. 
  • These forests have small ponds, tanks and the Kaundinya and Kaigal tributaries of Palar River, which provide the main sources of water for the animals.
• Fauna : Sloth Bear, Leopard, Cheetal, Sambar, Porcupine , Wild Boar, Jungle Cat, Golden Jackal, and Slender Loris.
• Flora : Plants like Albizia amara, Ficus glomerata, Zizyphus xylocarpus, Gymnosporia Montana, etc; make this a green panoramic place