Ichthyophis davidi
Asia·India (Western Ghats)
Ichthyophis davidi, also known as the Chorla giant striped caecilian, is a recently identified species of caecilian found in the Chorla region of India. This large, limbless amphibian is distinguished by its prominent yellow stripes and is named in honor of David Gower for his contributions to the study of Indian caecilians.
Key Facts
- ›Discovered in Chorla, a region bordering Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka in India.
- ›One of the largest known caecilians from the Western Ghats.
- ›Characterized by distinct yellow stripes along its body.
- ›Named in honor of David Gower, a zoologist recognized for his work on Indian caecilians.
- ›Its discovery was made by a team of researchers from various Indian institutions.
Tropical Forests
Chorla Giant Striped Caecilian
About Ichthyophis davidi
Ichthyophis davidi, commonly known as the Chorla giant striped caecilian, is a recently identified species of caecilian native to India. This amphibian was discovered in the Chorla region, an area situated at the confluence of the Indian states of Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, within the Mhadei region. Its discovery adds to the known biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot.
Distinguishing Features and Naming
Ichthyophis davidi holds the distinction of being one of the largest known caecilians from the Western Ghats, characterized by its limbless body and prominent yellow stripes. The species was named in honor of David Gower, a zoologist associated with the Natural History Museum in London. This naming recognizes his substantial contributions to the study and understanding of caecilian species found in India.
Discovery and Research
The identification and description of Ichthyophis davidi were the result of collaborative research efforts by a team of scientists. These researchers included Gopalakrishna Bhatta from BASE Educational Services Private Limited, K. P. Dinesh and C. Radhakrishnan from the Western Ghats Regional Centre, P. Prashanth from the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, and Nirmal Kulkarni from the Mhadei Research Centre. Their work underscores the ongoing exploration and documentation of amphibian life in regions like the Western Ghats.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ichthyophis davidi?
Ichthyophis davidi is a species of caecilian, a limbless amphibian. It is also commonly referred to as the Chorla giant striped caecilian.
Where was Ichthyophis davidi discovered?
This species was discovered in Chorla, a village located in the Mhadei region of India, specifically on the borders of Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
What are the distinctive features of Ichthyophis davidi?
Ichthyophis davidi is notable for being one of the largest caecilians found in the Western Ghats and is easily identified by its prominent yellow stripes.
Who is Ichthyophis davidi named after?
The species is named in honor of David Gower, who is recognized for his significant contributions to the study of caecilians in India. He is associated with the department of zoology at the Natural History Museum, London.
Related Caecilian species
Banna caecilian
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.
Black caecilian
The Black caecilian (Ichthyophis monochrous) is a species of amphibian found in the tropical moist forests of northern Borneo, specifically in western Kalimantan (Indonesia) and Sarawak (Malaysia), and likely Brunei. It is a relatively unknown species, with only a few specimens documented, and is characterized by its moderately slender body, distinct tail, and glandular skin with numerous annuli.
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.