Imphal, Sept. 16 -- Environmentalists have raised concerns over the reported decline of orange salamanders in Manipur's Ukhrul district, with shrinking damp and marshy habitats, deforestation and erratic rainfall patterns threatening the amphibians.

Locally known as Lengva in the Tangkhul Naga dialect and Chum in Meitei, the species is scientifically classified as Tylototriton verrucosus and commonly referred to as the Himalayan newt. The amphibians are often mistaken for lizards.

Himalayan newts thrive in cool, temperate conditions with heavy rainfall from May to October. Their habitats include mountain forests, rocky ponds and marshlands with dense vegetation. They hibernate during winter and begin breeding with the first monsoon rain...