Dr R J Ranjit Daniels has been an inspiration to young field biologists for his extensive work on lower invertebrates (amphibians, reptiles and fishes) and his efforts to popularise conservation science. He has undertaken several studies on biodiversity including that of birds and lower invertebrates in the Western Ghats and elsewhere. Apart from environmental impact studies, Daniels has also outlined several conservation strategies at national and global levels including one for the birds of Uttar Kannada district, Karnataka. He is a member of international bodies such as the International Ornithological Congress and is a Biodiversity Planning Specialist (consultant) to the International Union for Conservation of Nature-Regional Biodiversity Programme (Asia). He has authored more than 120 scientific publications. Among his latest books include Freshwater fishes of peninsular India and Amphibians of peninsular India (in press). Ranjit Daniels has earlier worked at the Indian Institute of Science, Chennai Snake Park Trust, Madras Crocodile Bank and M S Swaminathan Research Foundation. He is currently director of Care Earth, Chennai. He shared some of his views on conservation of lower vertebrates with Deccan Herald when he was in Bangalore recently to deliver a lecture at the founding conference of A Rocha. Importance of smaller organisms in the ecosystem Smaller organisms (invertebrates) are very important. Since many of them, especially insects, are still not fully understood, a study of them has been difficult. The equivalents of these organisms among the vertebrates are the lower vertebrates, viz. fish, amphibians and reptiles. These are cold blooded and hence are more sensitive to changes in local environment than birds and mammals. This is one of the foremost reasons for considering these organisms as bio-indicators. Apart from being bio-indicators, they play a vital role in controlling insect pests. Fish particularly serve as organisms that break down organic matter in water. Lower vertebrates serve as a important source of food to most carnivorous animals including humans. About conservation of smaller organisms in India and world All over the world there have been major initiatives to protect lower vertebrates. In Europe and North America there are exclusive programmes to conserve amphibians and freshwater fishes. The popular instance of a fish called the Snail Darter that led to shelving of a major dam construction in the US is a well known example. In India, except the crocodiles and turtles, little attention has been paid to the conservation of lower vertebrates and invertebrates. If at all any of these are conserved, it is incidental. Do we need a shift from present conservation strategies (which focuses on large animals) to those that involve smaller organisms in India? We do need a paradigm shift. It certainly involves educating both the scientific and non-scientific community. Firstly, the superstitions that drive people to destroy or ignore lower vertebrates have to be addressed. Proper orientation to these organisms starting at the school level needs to brought in. As of now, lower vertebrates such as sharks, frogs and lizards are dissected in hundreds in schools and colleges and treated on par with house rats and cockroaches. This needs to be stopped. The role of lower vertebrates in the ecosystem should be more carefully brought out in text books than taking the examples of these organisms simply because they are easily available. What is the present status of amphibians in India? Population decline of amphibians is a reality especially as urban development and agricultural intensification have led to loss of extensive habitats. However, most of India's 238 species of amphibians are not those which originally inhabited human environs. These are largely restricted to dense forests and hence still evade scientists who attempt to make population studies of these. The basic threats are certainly habitat loss and for about five species of human adapted frogs, collection for lab studies and the local food industry have been the major threats. Will there be an upward revision of the total amphibian species recorded in India following discovery of new species or refining of taxonomy? Yes. Although, taxonomists are not fully agreed on this. It seems that the Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas are likely to provide 100 - 200 new species for the scientists to describe. Can you explain about your current project in the Anamalais? In 1990 there was a alarm raised all over the world on the decline of amphibian populations. At that time, many including me discussed the possibility of environmental toxins being responsible for this decline. Pesticides could be one. However, we do not have adequate data to substantiate this. In this regard, I have taken up a study in the Anamalais specifically at the Valaparai region where tea estates are located. In this landscape, a lot of pesticides have been used. It is expected that if there had been any impact on biodiversity, it should be reflected by the amphibians. One year of field studies will be concluded this March. As of now, it seems as if there is no direct impact on amphibians since most of the species found in the natural areas are also found in fairly good numbers in and around the tea estates. Long-term studies are needed to further substantiate the initial trends. The study is funded by the Declining Amphibian Population Task Force of the IUCN. я