How much do amphibians and reptiles matter in real estate?​

Created By RISC | 2 years ago

Last modified date : 1 year ago

RISC 5 Research Hubs: Plants & Biodiversity Hub

You mightn’t love amphibians and reptiles, but they’re vital for us.
 
Frogs, toads, lizards, turtles, and snakes are crucial to urban ecosystems. They help balance the food chain as both predators and prey. They’re also bioindicators of healthy cities.

Amphibians live in water and on land, which makes them vulnerable to any changes in their environment. Reptiles are also at risk because of their unique habitats. Water sources should therefore feature when developing green areas.

RISC recently collaborated with Chulalongkorn University's Department of Biology, led by Asst. Prof. Pongchai Dumrongrojwatthana and Piyachat Yodngern, to study the diversity of amphibians and reptiles in a 30-rai green area of The Forestias where natural forest grows near to water sources.

The survey began during the project's construction. Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Fejervaya limnocharis, Occidozyga martensii, Hoplobatrachus rugulosus, Rana erythraea, Kaloula pulchra, Microhyla heymonsi, Microhyla ficipes, and Polypedates leucomystax were discovered between October 2021 and March 2022. Blue-crested lizards, Oriental garden lizards, Tokay geckos, Hemidactylus platyurus, Sri Lankan lizards, Hemidactylus platyurus, and Malayemys were also found. There are signs that the project area’s ecosystem suits both groups of animal.

But more research is needed to track changes. The data will be analyzed to manage the area to support natural habitats. RISC hopes that this research will benefit future urban green space development for biodiversity.

Story by Thanawat Jinjaruk, Senior Researcher, Environment Division, RISC and Piyachat Yodngern, Intern from Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University

References: ​
Carey, C. and Alexander, M.A. 2003. Climate change and amphibian declines: Is there a link?. Diversity and Distribution. 9: 111–112.
Kumar, D.T., Kumar, S.S. and Prasad, M.R. 2014. Current status and possible cases of reptile’s decline. International Research Journal of Environment Sciences. 3: 75–79.