Herpatofaunal diversity in Chillavaripalli and Ellutla reserve forests of Ananthapuramu district, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Present study was conducted in Chillavaripalli and Ellutla reserve forest, to understand the diversity of both amphibian and reptiles (Herpatofauna) from the study area. Study area is located in Ananthapuram district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Present study was conducted during October 2015 to September 2016. Appropriate scientific methods such as pitfall trap method and Visual encounter method were adopted to enumerate the herpatofaunal diversity from the study region. In this study, we have recorded a total 10 Amphibian species which were belongs to 4 families and 25 reptile species which were belong to 11 families were recorded from the study region. Among 25 reptilian species Varanus bangalensis, Python molurus are listed under Schedule-I of Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.Forest fires, killing, hunting, and biotic stress like grazing and browsing are the main threats to the herpatofauna of the study area.