Sept 29, Colombo: Sri Lanka Reptile and Amphibian Foundation points out that a number of endemic species to the country have become extinct in recent past.
Of 109 reptiles and amphibians, 21 species are extinct, says the Chairman of Sri Lanka Reptile and Amphibian Foundation Mendis Wickramasinghe.
While 12 amphibians are threatened of extinction, another 34 amphibians are severely threatened, the Foundation points out.
Mr. Mendis also said that the research conducted by the Foundation in Sri Pada mountain area under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment led to rediscover two amphibian species that were earlier believed to be extinct.
He cited deforestation, isolation of jungles, development, erosion, and climate change have caused the extinction of amphibians causing severe ecological imbalance.