Banna caecilian
Asia·Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and southern China
The Banna caecilian (Ichthyophis kohtaoensis), also known as the Koh Tao Island caecilian, is an amphibian species found across Southeast Asia and southern China. This species inhabits a wide range of moist tropical and subtropical environments, from lowland forests to urban gardens and agricultural lands. It is primarily threatened by the loss of its diverse natural habitats.
Key Facts
- ›Found in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and southern China.
- ›Inhabits diverse moist lowland and montane forests, as well as aquatic and semi-aquatic environments.
- ›Commonly referred to as the Koh Tao Island caecilian.
- ›Scientific name refers to Ko Tao Island where the type specimen was collected.
- ›Threatened by habitat loss.
- ›Possesses 21 pairs of chromosomes, though specific chromosome types can vary between studies.
Subtropical Or Tropical Moist Lowland Forests, Subtropical Or Tropical Moist Montane Forests, Rivers, Intermittent Rivers, Swamps, Freshwater Marshes, Intermittent Freshwater Marshes, Plantations, Rural Gardens, Urban Areas, Heavily Degraded Former Forests, Irrigated Land, Seasonally Flooded Agricultural Land
Koh Tao Island Caecilian, Banna Caecilian, Ichthyophis Bannanicus
Habitat Loss
About Banna caecilian
What is the Banna Caecilian?
The Banna caecilian, scientifically known as Ichthyophis kohtaoensis and also referred to as the Koh Tao Island caecilian, is a species of amphibian found across a wide geographical range in Asia. Its distribution includes Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and extends into southern China. This species is notable for its adaptability to a variety of moist environments.
Habitats and Distribution
The natural habitats of the Banna caecilian are remarkably diverse. They thrive in subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests, but their range also encompasses aquatic and semi-aquatic environments. This includes rivers, intermittent rivers, swamps, freshwater marshes, and intermittent freshwater marshes. Furthermore, they have been found in human-modified landscapes such as plantations, rural gardens, urban areas, and seasonally flooded agricultural land, indicating a degree of resilience to human presence. However, their survival is significantly impacted by the loss of these varied natural habitats.
Genetics and Classification
Belonging to the family Ichthyophiidae, the Banna caecilian has been studied for its genetic makeup. Research on its mitotic karyotype has revealed that both males and females typically possess 21 pairs of chromosomes. While the overall chromosome number appears consistent within the Ichthyophis genus, specific classifications of chromosome types have shown some variation between different studies, suggesting areas for further genetic research.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Banna caecilian?
The Banna caecilian is a species of amphibian belonging to the Ichthyophiidae family. It is also known as the Koh Tao Island caecilian and is found in several countries across Southeast Asia and southern China.
Where does the Banna caecilian live?
Its natural habitats are diverse and include subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests. It can also be found in rivers, swamps, marshes, plantations, rural gardens, urban areas, and seasonally flooded agricultural land.
What are the main threats to the Banna caecilian?
The primary threat to the Banna caecilian is habitat loss, which impacts its ability to survive in its varied natural environments.
What is the scientific classification of the Banna caecilian?
The scientific name for the Banna caecilian is Ichthyophis kohtaoensis. It belongs to the family Ichthyophiidae.
Are there any notable genetic characteristics of the Banna caecilian?
Studies have indicated that both male and female Banna caecilians possess 21 pairs of chromosomes. However, the exact classification of these chromosomes (e.g., metacentric, submetacentric, telocentric) has shown some variation across different research findings.
Related Caecilian species
Caudacaecilia larutensis
Caudacaecilia larutensis, also known as the Larut Hills caecilian, is a species of amphibian native to Malaysia and Thailand. It inhabits a variety of forest types, as well as rivers and agricultural lands. This caecilian is distinguished by its specific geographic distribution within Southeast Asia.
Ichthyophiidae
The Ichthyophiidae, also known as Asiatic tailed caecilians or fish caecilians, are a primitive family of caecilians found across South and Southeast Asia and in southernmost China. They are distinguished by their tails, numerous body scales, and mouths that are not recessed, setting them apart from more derived caecilian families. Ichthyophiidae reproduce by laying eggs in moist soil, with larvae that develop in water before metamorphosing into terrestrial adults, and females may exhibit parental care.
Ichthyophis
Ichthyophis, meaning "fish snake," is a genus of caecilians native to Southeast Asia, the southern Philippines, and the western Indo-Australian Archipelago. These amphibians are characterized by their elongated, limbless bodies and smooth, moist skin, often resembling earthworms or snakes. Several species are found in Sri Lanka, with some preferring moist habitats and others showing specific altitude preferences.