KUCHING: Twenty-six new species of frogs have been discovered in Sarawak this year, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
He said the discoveries stemmed from studies conducted after the 10th World Congress of Herpetology (the study of amphibians and reptiles) held here in August.
"Six new species have been given scientific names based on where they were found, for example Limnonectes muluensis for a frog discovered in Mulu and Limnonectes penrissensis for one found in Penrissen.
"The other 20 species are still in the stage of morphological identification," he said in his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Wednesday (Nov 20).
Awang Tengah said the discovery showed that Sarawak was rich in biodiversity.
"This is an important indicator of a healthy ecosystem because frogs are sensitive to environmental changes," he added.
On another matter, Awang Tengah said the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) was working with Australia's Wildlife Management International (WMI) to prepare a comprehensive crocodile management plan for the state.
He said the plan would take about a year to complete, with an initial report to be presented next month on the measures needed.
"WMI will help formulate the plan and train SFC officers in crocodile management," he said.
Awang Tengah also said this was one of several initiatives undertaken by the state government to reduce the risk of crocodile attacks.
There are an estimated 25,000 crocodiles in Sarawak's 22 river basins.
Awang Tengah added that 40 SFC monitoring operations from January to October resulted in the removal of 35 crocodiles from populated areas to more suitable sites.
