Herpetofaunal Diversity and Conservation Status in Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary of Assam, India

Abio-inventory of herpetofauna occurring in Amchang wildlife sanctuary was made along with identification of perceived threats, the herpetofauna faces in the sanctuary. During the study period 22 species of amphibians representing seven families and 41 species of reptiles representing eleven families were encountered. According to conservation concern based on categorization by IUCNredlist, amongst amphibians a single species was vulnerable, four species were data deficient and the rest were least concern and amongst reptiles, two species were vulnerable, 13 species were least concern and the rest of 26 species were yet to be evaluated. According to India'sWildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, 13 species of amphibians fall under Schedule IV; five, three and twenty species of reptile come under Schedule I, schedule II and Schedule III respectively. The remaining species are non-scheduled. The major threats in the sanctuary includes habitat degradation, encroachment of forest land and lack of people awareness regarding herpetofauna.