Decline of Karez Frog, Chrysopaa Sternosignata: A Case Study from Bhaderwah Region of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Chrysopaa sternosignata is a thoroughly aquatic species, inhabiting clear pools with flowing Karez water. When disturbed it jumps into the depths of the water and hides under gravel at the bottom or under dense marginal vegetation and thick floating algal cover. The frog never leaves the water; even in freezing winter when the upper water surface is frozen, it remains sluggishly active beneath in the unfrozen water. In summer it usually sits in the marginal vegetation or under undercut rocks along sides of streams. Anthropogenic activities and climatic changes are two of the most important factors affecting the populations of this frog. Chrysopaa sternosignata is a highly aquatic frog living in rivers, swamps, and freshwater marshes. It is a relatively common species. Over the past few years, decline in population of Karez frog, Chrysopaa sternosignata (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Jammu and Kashmir state, India is quite alarming. The species inhabits the cold streams of Bhaderwah tehsil, district Doda (altitude 1500m-3000m) and has witnessed a great reduction in population size over the last three-four years. Anthropogenic activities, Climate change, habitat loss and toxicants are the possible causes for the reduction in population size. It is suggested that if the same factors are not strongly mended or conservation strategies not designed, we are soon going to find the species losing it ‘Least Concerned’ status also.