Source: TH
Context: A limbless amphibian, the striped caecilian (Ichthyophis spp), has been newly discovered in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve during a recent survey.
About Striped caecilian:
They are classified under the order Apoda, a limbless amphibian known for spending most of its life burrowed under soil. These wormlike creatures have smooth, moist skin that appears narrowly segmented, with small eyes covered by skin, limiting visual perception to distinguishing light and dark. They can breathe through their skin and lungs and belong to the egg-laying genus Ichthyophis. Caecilians are found in six families across Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.
About Kaziranga National Park:
- Located in the State of Assam and is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
International Status:
- 1985: It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
- 1986: It is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.
Important Species Found:
- KNP is home to the world’s most one-horned rhinos. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has the highest density of one-horned rhinos in the world and the second-highest number of Rhinos in Assam after Kaziranga National Park.
- Much of the focus of conservation efforts in Kaziranga is focused on the ‘big four’ species— Rhino, Elephant, Royal Bengal tiger and Asiatic water buffalo.
- Rivers and Highways: The park has the Diphlu River running through it.
