v1i2.16

ISSN: 1800-427X (print)
eISSN: 1800-427X (online)
DOI:10.47605/tapro.v1i2.16

Submitted date: 23 June 2009
Accepted date: 30 September 2009
Published date: 22 November 2009
Pp. 107–110, pls. 5.

STATUS AND MICROHABITAT PREFERENCE OF Otocryptis beddomii BOULENGER, 1885 (REPTILIA : AGAMIDAE) IN PONMUDI HILLS, WESTERN GHATS, KERALA, INDIA

S.R. Chandramouli*
*E-mail: findthesnakeman@gmail.com

Abstract
The population of Otocryptis beddomii in Ponmudi Hills of Kerala, India was examined to assess its status and microhabitat preference. The encounter rate was significantly higher in pristine habitat (3.51 sightings/km) than in disturbed habitat (0.97 sightings/km). Sighting frequency was highest in rainforests (60) of mid-altitude (68) and the most-utilized substrate was leaf litter (79.2%). Disturbances due to human activities had a significant (Proportion test; z = 2.93, p<0.05), adverse impact on its population.

Key words : altitudinal distribution, encounter rate, habitat quality, sex ratio, substrate

Section Editor: Mohomed Bahir