Shillong, Oct 10: In what could be an asset for biology students and researchers of Meghalaya, a comprehensive book “Amphibians of Meghalaya” written by a team of zoologists from Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and state’s Forest and Environment Department made it to the shelves on Friday.
Jointly published by ZSI Shillong and Forest and Environment Department, the book was formally released by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, D Sathiyan during the valedictory function of the Wildlife Week 2025 organised by the department.
The book is authored by Bhaskar Saikia of ZSI Shillong, Dr Bikramjit Sinha of ZSI Kolkata, and Harish Chandra Choudhary, Chief Wildlife Warden of Meghalaya.
The volume documents the 60 known amphibian species of Meghalaya, featuring detailed accounts of each species with colour photographs, diagnostic characteristics, distributional data and altitudinal range across the state.
The book also provides clarity on several historical taxonomic errors that had persisted in the scientific naming of some amphibians from Meghalaya.
Known for its varied terrain and climatic diversity, Meghalaya supports one of the richest assemblages of amphibians in India, many of which are endemic and ecologically sensitive.
The book is expected to serve as a valuable reference for researchers, students, forest officers and nature enthusiasts, while emphasising the need for continued study and conservation of the state’s amphibian diversity.
It also marks an important step forward in biodiversity documentation and reflects the ongoing collaboration between the scientific community and the forest administration in strengthening wildlife conservation and natural heritage awareness in the state, according to a press statement.
The event was also attended by Environment and Forest department officials and scientists from ZSI and Botanical Survey of India among others.
