AMPHIBIANS OF BALAT AREA : A CASE STUDY IN SOUTH WEST KHASI HILLS DISTRICT, MEGHALAYA, INDIA

Amphibians are very important components of many ecosystems. They are usually least harmful in nature and never destroy or devour agricultural crops, fruits, vegetables etc., but are beneficial in a number of ways. There is no information on the distribution of amphibians in the Balat area, the area bordering to Bangladesh in South West Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya. Therefore, this survey was conducted to study the distribution of amphibians in Balat and its adjoining areas. From the survey work conducted seventeen species of amphibian belonging to the family Bufonidae, Dicroglossidae, Hylidae Ranidae, and Rhacophoridae were collected.