A biodiversity field session in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district offered participants a chance to explore and document the region’s amphibian and reptile diversity while engaging in cultural exchange with local communities. The Frog Watch and Field Photography event was organised by Aaranyak, a conservation-focused organisation working across Northeast India, and took place on July 12 in Phumen Engti village.
Participants in the walk included individuals from a wide range of academic and research backgrounds, among them a PhD scholar from Royal Global University, zoology students from Debraj Roy College in Golaghat, a faculty member from IIT Gandhinagar, and both an assistant professor and a student from the Zoology Department of Digboi College. The session reflected an interdisciplinary interest in field-based conservation learning.
The trail was led by herpetologist Dr Jayanta Kumar Roy and supported by local residents Mongal Rongphar and Bidaram Tokbi, who have been consistently involved in biodiversity initiatives in the area. The walk covered forested sections near the village, where participants were able to observe and photograph various amphibians and reptiles, including frogs, lizards, and geckos.
Throughout the session, conversations centred around species behaviour, habitat identification, and the challenges of field research in fading daylight. The group also paused briefly for refreshments in the forest, where they held an informal discussion on amphibian conservation.
A community member shared a Karbi folk tale during the break, connecting the day’s scientific observations with local oral traditions and ecological knowledge. The blending of cultural storytelling with biodiversity awareness underscored the importance of collaborative and context-based learning.
Species identified during the session included the Indian Skipper Frog (Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis), Cricket Frogs (Minervarya teraiensis and Minervarya pierrei), Red-eyed Frog (Leptobrachium smithi), Asian Common Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), Assamese Cascade Frog (Amolops assamensis), Bent-Toed Gecko, Garden Lizards, and two species of Skinks.
The event forms part of Aaranyak’s ongoing efforts to promote conservation in the Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong and Manas landscapes. The organisation works closely with local communities, aiming to support sustainable livelihoods, promote environmental education, and raise awareness about ecological issues. This initiative is supported by IUCN–KfW and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
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