Diversity and Threats Encountered by Reptilian Fauna along Cauvery Basin, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India

In India, Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas are rich in herpetofauna. The fascinating ecosystem harbor many endemic herpetofauna. Of the 500 species of reptiles recorded in India, Western Ghats harbour about 156 species and about 93 of them are considered to be endemic to the area. Snakes and other reptile species may prove to be a valuable indicator species in local ecosystems. Hence the present study was taken up to examine the community structure, species richness, diversity and abundance of herpetofauna and to assess the impact on the diversity and density along the Cauvery bank of Kumbakonam region. Visual encountered method was involved searching for herpetofauna in an area or habitat and recording all animals visible on the surface. The opportunistic observations of 11 species of herpetofauna were recorded in the study area includes three species of house lizards, each one species of garden lizard, skink, monitor lizard, 2 species of fresh water turtles and 3 species of snakes. The present study shows that the distribution of reptiles in Cauvery basin of Kumbakonam region is largely determined by temperature, microhabitat availability and various geophysical constraints. Habitat alterations is impacted almost all endemic reptile species of the area