12 SANCTUARY ASIA, 2017 MAY

Cub News

MAY

2017

WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS FROM INDIA AND AROUND THE EARTH

Fluorescent frog discovered

A camera-trapping exercise carried out in eastern Thailand’s Dong-Phayayen Khao Yai Forest Complex has revealed photographic evidence of a breeding population of the critically endangered Indochinese tiger. This is only the second-known breeding population of this tiger sub-species in the world! The survey, carried out by Thailand’s Department of National Parks

(DNP) in collaboration with the organisations Panthera and Freeland, suggests a density of just 0.63 tigers per 100 sq. km. in the complex. Though this is very low, the discovery of this new population “demonstrates the species’ remarkable resilience given wildlife poaching and illegal rosewood logging present in the Complex,” says the joint-statement released by the organisations. It is believed that

New population of Indochinese tigers

less than 300 Indochinese tigers survive in the wild, with the only other breeding population found in western Thailand. “The stepping up of anti-poaching patrols and law enforcement efforts in this area have played a pivotal role in conserving the tiger population by ensuring a safe environment for them to breed,” said Songtam Suksawang, the Director of the National Parks Division of the DNP.

The discovery of this new population of tigers demonstrates the species’ remarkable resilience.

ARGENTINA

A breeding population of the Indochinese tiger was discovered recently in Thailand’s Dong-Phayayen Khao Yai Forest Complex.KHAO YAI/PUBLIC DOMAIN

H. ZELL/ PUBLIC DOMAIN

Researchers

in Argentina have discovered the world’s first fluorescent frog! The South American polka dot tree frog, a wide-spread species in the continent, appears olive-green with red spots in regular light. However, when viewed under ultraviolet light, the frog glows neon green! This fluorescence is caused by a group of newly-discovered molecules called hyloins that are found in the frog’s skin, lymph tissue and glandular secretions. Though the purpose of this trait is still being researched, study co-author Maria Gabriela Lagorio suggests that it “enhances brightness and visual detection among individuals under conditions of moonlight or twilight.” Interestingly, the researchers discovered the fluorescent trait of the polka dot tree frog quite by accident, while conducting studies on other species.