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Environment and Disaster Management › Species in news

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Reptiles, amphibians and aquatic species

Reptiles, amphibians and aquatic species: the gharial, the Gangetic dolphin, the olive ridley, the dugong and the other species of India's rivers and seas, their surveys and their programmes. Prelims has asked which is India's national aquatic animal.

Foundation note: Aquatic and marine species

Himalayan salamander

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Prelims and Mains

The Himalayan salamander (Tylototriton himalayanus) is one of only three salamander species found in India.

  • It occurs in eastern Nepal, Darjeeling and western Bhutan.
  • More than 80 per cent of its habitat lies outside protected areas, in tea gardens, village commons and community forest.

What changed

  1. 13 Jul 2026BriefConservation work on the species in Darjeeling, built on wetland restoration and removal of invasive species, won a 2026 Whitley Award. Frontline, 13 Jul 2026: Two Indian conservationists won the 2026 Whitley Award, one for the Indian skimmer in the Chambal and one for the Himalayan salamander in Darjeeling. (opens in a new tab)