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Study identifies distinct frog species not belonging to generic ‘hourglass’ classification

Published

6 years ago

2020/08/2

by Ifham Nizam

A study on the abnormalities and polymorphisms of amphibians found within and outside the Horton Plains National Park has identified a distinct frog species that does not belong to its generic “hourglass frog” classification.

The study was conducted by graduate research assistant Praneeth Silva of Sri Jayewardenepura University’s Department of Zoology under the supervision of Prof. W. A. D. Mahaulpatha, senior lecturer and head, Department of Zoology.

“Our study on amphibian abnormalities and causes found that Taruga eques species is faced with bigger threats in both localities in comparison to other amphibian species”, Silva told The Sunday Island.

Within and outside regions of the Sri Lankan Plains, habitat modifications due to human activities were the main threat on Taruga eques. The study also found that natural predators were the main cause for formation of amphibian abnormalities found within the Plains.

The study revealed a novel pattern polymorphism of Taruga eques in that a variety of the species without the hourglass was identified within and outside the Plains, indicating that the common name Taruga eques cannot be broadly classified as an “hour-glass frog”. At the end of the study, new six dorsal colour variations and five dorsal pigment patterns of Taruga eques could be newly introduced to the science.

Amphibian body colouration and pigment patterns play a vital role for their survival in the environment. Polymorp-hism (happening together in the same habitat of two or more distinct species results in rarest of them getting mutated to be like the main species) has probably led Taruga eques to be seen as hourglass tree frog though in reality the situation is likely to be rather different.

Silva said that a total of 694 amphibians belonging to four families and 11 species were recorded in five lentic water bodies which were studied. Five hundred and eleven (511) individuals were examined inside the Plains and 183 outside the region. Of the 511 individuals, only 4.5 percent of the amphibians had abnormalities. Of the 183 individuals examined outside the Plains, 80.87 percent had abnormalities.

Of the 511 inspected amphibians within the Plains, 0.59 percent suffered from ectromelia and four percent had cysts. Of the 183 amphibians examined outside the Plains, 80.33 percent had cysts and 0.55 percent had femoral projections. Cysts accounted for most of the abnormalities in both environments. Most of the infections (60 percent) recorded in the amphibians inside the Plains were mild. In contrast 77.55 percent of the infections recorded in the amphibians outside the Plains were moderate.

A research associate attached to the University of Indonesia Research Centre for Climate Change Thasun Amarasinghe said that not only hourglass tree frogs but almost all amphibians in Sri Lanka are under threat.

“They are called hourglass tree frogs as they have a colour pattern like an hour glass mark on their dorsum (back). They are highland species, and are very sensitive to temperature and humidity so in addition to habitat loss and forest fragmentation, there will be a future threat to them due to climate change”, he warned.

The major conclusion of the study was the natural selection results in the ‘polymorphisms’ to face the threat of predation. Moreover, colour and pattern polymorphisms manifest due to strong selection by visually oriented predators and the polymorphisms are highly valuable for the species to ensure their survival in the environment, while helping them to avoid abnormalities.

(Pix courtesy Praneeth Silva)

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Workshop Explores Integration of Enterprise Development Programmes with the “Prajashakthi” National Movement

Published

1 hour ago

2026/06/6

Priyan

A special workshop was held today (06) at the Presidential Secretariat to explore the possibility of integrating programmes currently implemented by state institutions that directly contribute to enterprise development with the “Prajashakthi” National Movement.

Discussions focused on identifying development projects undertaken by government institutions for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and incorporating relevant information into a unified data management system.

Attention was also directed towards formulating a strategic framework for the coordinated implementation of these programmes, as well as identifying the nature, scope and eligibility criteria of the initiatives carried out by the respective institutions.

The participating government officials were further briefed on the criteria for selecting beneficiaries for programmes directly related to enterprise development.

In addition, discussions centred on identifying programmes that could be implemented independently or jointly by the relevant state institutions and the “Prajashakthi” National Movement. Particular attention was paid to preventing duplication and overlap in programme selection and implementation.

Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Sampath Manthrinayake, resource persons Kalum Jayaveera and Madhava Muthukudaarachchi, officials of the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, government officials, and representatives of the Prajashakthi Secretariat were among those who attended the workshop.

(PMD)

News

Pakistan naval trio leaves Colombo after goodwill visit

Published

13 hours ago

2026/06/6

Priyan

Wrapping up their goodwill and replenishment visit, the Pakistan Navy ships ‘PNS Taimur’ and ‘PNS Aslat’, along with the submarine ‘PNS/M Hangor’, departed the island on 04 Jun 26. The naval units, which arrived in Sri Lanka on 01 June, were accorded a traditional naval send-off by the Sri Lanka Navy at the Port of Colombo, upon their departure.

During their stay, the Commanding Officers of Pakistan Navy ships and submarine called on the Commander Western Naval Area and the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet at the Western Naval Command Headquarters, where discussions were held on several matters of mutual interest.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Navy personnel had the opportunity to visit the visiting Pakistan Navy ships and submarine. Furthermore, the crews of the visiting vessels explored the rich heritage of Sri Lanka, taking time to tour several culturally significant landmarks across the island.

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China, Lanka intensify cooperation to fight cross-border crimes spreading across Asia and beyond

Published

18 hours ago

2026/06/6

Thilina Walpola

China and Sri Lanka have intensified joint law enforcement efforts to combat cross-border online gambling and telecom fraud, crimes that authorities warn are increasingly spreading across Asia and beyond.

The Chinese Embassy in Colombo said both countries are working closely to dismantle scam centres and fraud networks that have relocated to Sri Lanka from other parts of Southeast Asia. The Embassy noted that such operations often intertwine with human trafficking and other serious crimes, posing grave risks to public security and social stability.

China’s position on cross-border gambling remains firm: Chinese capital is prohibited from investing in overseas casinos, citizens are barred from operating them, and foreign casinos are forbidden from soliciting Chinese nationals. The Embassy stressed that gambling “almost invariably leads to financial ruin,” with tens of thousands of Chinese citizens suffering losses and harm. Recent amendments to China’s Criminal Law have criminalised cross-border gambling activities.

The Embassy pointed out that Sri Lankan authorities have carried out multiple raids in recent months, dismantling gambling and fraud dens and arresting suspects from several countries. Several Chinese nationals, involved in fraud-related crimes, have been handed over to Chinese authorities, producing what officials described as a strong deterrent effect.

The Chinese Embassy praised the efforts of Sri Lanka’s ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Public Security, particularly immigration and police officials, for their cooperation.

It warned that without firm and immediate measures, the spread of illegal gambling and fraud could damage Sri Lanka’s international image, undermine social stability, and harm the safety and security of its people.

China has already conducted similar law enforcement cooperation with countries including Spain, the UAE, Myanmar, and Cambodia, leading to arrests and repatriations of overseas fraud suspects. It has also proposed the creation of an international alliance against telecom and online fraud to coordinate global efforts, it said.

Going forward, China pledged to actively implement the Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, while continuing to deepen law enforcement and security cooperation with Sri Lanka.

The Embassy said these efforts aim to safeguard lives and property, protect financial security, and build a “clean, safe, and beautiful Sri Lanka,” while contributing to a new global framework for combating transnational crime.