Shillong, Oct 10: A comprehensive book titled ‘Amphibians of Meghalaya’ was released today by D Sathiyan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Meghalaya, during the valedictory function of the Wildlife Week 2025, organised by the Forest and Environment Department.
Chief Wildlife Warden of Meghalaya, HC Choudhary, senior officers of the department, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Botanical Survey of India were also present.
Authored by Bhaskar Saikia of ZSI Shillong, Bikramjit Sinha of ZSI Kolkata and HC Choudhary, the book is jointly published by the Forest and Environment Department and ZSI Shillong.
The volume documents the 60 known amphibian species of Meghalaya, featuring detailed accounts of each species with colour photographs, diagnostic characteristics, distributional data and altitudinal range across the state. The book also provides clarity on several historical taxonomic errors that had persisted in the scientific naming of some amphibians from Meghalaya.
Known for its varied terrain and climatic diversity, Meghalaya supports one of the richest assemblages of amphibians in India, many of which are endemic and ecologically sensitive. The publication serves as a valuable reference for researchers, students, forest officers and nature enthusiasts, while emphasising the need for continued study and conservation of the state’s amphibian diversity, a press release stated today.
