Question : AMPHIBIANS IN ASSAM

(a) whether Amphibians in Assam and other North Eastern States are facing extinction;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(c) steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to preserve, protect and promote these amphibians?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI S. REGUPATHY)

(a) As per the information received from the State Governments, there are no reports to indicate that amphibians in Assam and other North Eastern States are facing extinction.

(b) Does not arise

(c) The steps taken by Government of India to preserve, protect and promote amphibians, inter alia, include the following:

1. Some of the amphibians are included in various schedules of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, there by giving them high degree of protection.
2. Hunting of wild animals is prohibited as per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
3. A network of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries has been established to conserve the wildlife in the country, which include amphibians as well.
4. India is a signatory to Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates trade in wildlife and its derivatives including amphibians.
5. Import/export of wild animals is prohibited under EXPORT–IMPORT Policy.
6. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, with a network of five Regional and three Sub Regional Offices, has been set up to control wildlife crime.
7. Financial support is being provided under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes – Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries, Project Tiger and Project Elephant, to State /UT Forest Departments for the conservation and development of areas that include the habitats of amphibians as well.