Of the country's 119 described amphibian species 104 (c. The South Asian tropical island of Sri Lanka is rich in amphibian diversity (Meegaskumbura et al., Reference Meegaskumbura, Bossuyt, Pethiyagoda, Manamendra-Arachchi, Bahir, Milinkovitch and Schneider2002). Our findings provide useful insights into ecological research on and conservation of range-restricted aquatic amphibians. Conservation and management actions such as ex-situ breeding, population monitoring, and restoration of degraded habitats could also contribute towards the persistence of this toad. We recommend re-delineation of the boundary of Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest to incorporate the toad's habitat into the core of the reserve and thus limit the impacts of human activities. Anthropogenic activities such as intensive crop farming deterred the species proximity to croplands had a negative influence on abundance. We noted size-based reversed sexual dimorphism and a strong ontogenetic relationship between snout–vent length and body weight. The species preferred moderately sized montane streams with rocky substrates and woody debris, colder temperatures, and closed-canopy, intact riparian forests.
Behaviour and microhabitat selection varied depending on sex and stage of maturity.
We recorded a mean of 44.25 post-metamorphs per year, with a density of < 1 individual per 100 m 2, with occurrence within a narrow extent (c. kandianus in and around Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest.
We conducted a 4-year study using transect surveys and opportunistic excursions to assess habitat associations, demographics and abundance of A. The species is now known from two localities in tropical montane forests. The endemic, stream-dwelling Kandian torrent toad Adenomus kandianus is Critically Endangered and was considered to be extinct until its rediscovery in 2012. The tropical island nation of Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot with a high diversity and endemism of amphibians.
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