Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Wednesday, 28 May 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Madhava Meegaskumbura of the Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya. Illustrating why Sri Lanka has been declared a biological hotspot together with the Western Ghats of India, Dr. Megaskumbura used the ‘Frog Story’ to highlight the predicament Sri Lanka is in, in continuously losing her valued species richness. The phenomenal richness has arisen primarily from evolutionary radiations resulting in endemic genera and species, supplemented by land bridging repeatedly with the Indian mainland.
One-third of amphibian species threatened with extinction
One-third of the world’s 6,000 amphibian species are threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List, while 122 species have become extinct globally over the past 25 years. One-third of the species that have become extinct are native to Asia. Out of the extinct species in Asia, 55% are native to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has lost 20% of its amphibian fauna. Of the remaining species, more than 50% are at risk of extinction. Most amphibian extinctions in Sri Lanka occurred about 150 years ago when forests were cleared to make way for coffee, and later, tea plantations. Only 800km2 or 5% of the islands original rainforest cover remains.
Amphibians are amongst the oldest organisms in the world. They also play an important role in maintaining a balance of nature, as both predator and prey, as biological pest controllers, minimizing the spread of diseases, and sometimes acting as bioindicators of climate change and environmental stress. Development in recent years has encroached into vital amphibian habitats, destroying the ecological balance. 
“Most amphibians are threatened by habitat loss because they have very peculiar and small ranges, what you would call point endemism. So if you lose a small patch of forest even as little as 1km2, then you may lose a whole species,” stated Dr. Meegaskumbura.
Many montane species in Sri Lanka are on the brink of extinction and have been categorised as Critically Endangered (CR). Species that lay eggs on leaves are the most threatened and vulnerable group because they require 90 days of continued humidity to develop. The environmental conditions may be disrupted by climate change resulting in further loss of species.
Influence of business on environment, animals increasing
The influence of business on our environment and animals inhabiting it is steadily increasing. Engaging with businesses therefore becomes all the more important to address the conservation challenges of our time. ‘Amphibians are facing an extinction crisis. Raising awareness and building new partnerships and relationships where both business and conservation interests are met, are fundamental’ was the key message delivered at the forum.
Pix by Lasantha Kumara
