BICHOLIM: A rare caecilian, a group of limbless, serpentine amphibians along with several eggs were found on Tuesday at Valpoi and are showing good signs of development.
According to ARS chief, Amrut Singh the Caecilian along with its eggs was brought to his house by a person from Valpoi after thinking it could be an earth Boa. Earlier, similar type of caecilian was found by ARS team member, Tanmai Naik at Karapur, Bicholim in 2013.
“There is very little study done in the State about caecilian even as it is believed that there are three types of caecilians found in Goa,” Amrut Singh told Herald. “We have tried to maintain proper habitat and the eggs found here are showing good signs of development,” he said.
Mostly, caecilians live hidden in the ground; their diets are not well known.
Mature caecilians seem to feed mostly on insects and other invertebrates found in the habitat of the respective species.
