Noel Giri

THT Action Grant 2025

Project Title:

Conservation Action Plan for Himalayan Salamander

Project Brief:

The Himalayan Salamander (Tylototriton verrucosus) is a rare and threatened amphibian facing habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. This project aims to assess the population status of the species, restore critical habitats, and engage local communities in conservation efforts. By conducting field surveys, habitat restoration and awareness programmes, they seek to mitigate threats and ensure the species' long-term survival. Key challenges include habitat degradation, lack of public awareness, and weak policy enforcement.

To address these, they will work closely with local authorities, implement restoration activities, and advocate for stronger legal protections. Expected outcomes include the identification of critical habitats, increased community participation, strengthened conservation policies, and a sustainable monitoring framework. This initiative aims to provide a scalable model for amphibian conservation in the region, ensuring the protection of the Himalayan Salamander and its ecosystem.

Project objectives:

The project has the following objectives:

  • Assess and restore critical habitats of the Himalayan Salamander in Sukhia Pokhri by conducting field surveys and rehabilitating degraded wetlands.
  • Address key threats such as habitat destruction, pollution, and invasive species through targeted conservation actions.
  • Engage local communities through awareness programmes to foster stewardship.
  • Collaborate with authorities to advocate for stronger conservation policies.
  • Establish a long-term monitoring framework to track salamander populations and habitat health.
Project Location:
  • Sukhia Pokhri, Darjeeling, West Bengal