The state forest department has taken the initiative to conserve the Himalayan Salamander, an amphibian lizard species and an endangered animal found in the Darjeeling Himalayan region.

The department has taken the task to conserve the salamander which can survive in small water bodies and its surrounding moist land.

Sources in the department said that in the Darjeeling hills, Kurseong is one of the spots where the animal can be found and its habitat is significantly growing. Keeping this in view, foresters of Kurseong forest division are taking steps also to conserve its habitat on the hilly terrain.

Debesh Pandey, the divisional forest officer of Kurseong, said they have identified two locations — Panchpokhri, around 15km from Kurseong town, and Pokhritar in Bagora Range, at a similar distance from Kurseong — where the salamander can be sighted.

“Salamanders can be sighted regularly at Panchpokhri. There is a small water body surrounded by lush green grass, spread over five hectares and located at 1,500 metres above the sea level. We are taking steps to protect the habitat,” said Pandey, adding that they planned to protect Pokhritar too.

Sources said salamander conservation is essential as their habitats are under threat with the mushrooming of concrete structures in the hills.

Back in 1985, a project was taken by the state government to develop the Jorepokhri Salamander Sanctuary at Sukhiapokhri in Darjeeling. A 10-acre plot was identified for the project.

The Jorepokhri project failed as concrete structures came up to cover the water reservoir.

“This time, at Panchpokhri, we are keeping the natural environment intact and planting grasses to keep the area moist,” added the forester.