Aarliksi

Aarliksi (Sphenophryne aarliksi) is a diminutive frog species in the family Microhylidae, first described by L. H. Campbell in 1983. It is endemic to the limestone alpine regions of the eastern Karakoram range, occupying altitudes between 3,200 and 4,200 metres. The species is distinguished by its compact body, mottled brown dorsal skin, and a subtle pair of lateral white stripes that run from the snout to the rear end. Adult individuals typically measure 32–38 mm in snout–vent length.

The natural habitat of the aarliksi is characterized by cool, moist scree slopes and seepage pools formed by melting alpine glaciers. It is primarily nocturnal and displays opportunistic breeding behavior: females lay eggs in temporary pools before the wet season. The larval stage is short-lived, lasting only a few weeks, after which fully formed frogs emerge.

Population estimates suggest that aarliksi is relatively common within its limited range, yet its distribution remains fragmented due to the harsh climatic conditions and geographic isolation. The species is listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, largely because of habitat degradation associated with climate change and the potential impacts of human activity such as trekking and mining development in the region. Research indicates that the aarliksi exhibits a high tolerance to temperature fluctuations, which may allow it to adapt to some degree to the rapidly changing alpine environment.

Conservation efforts for the aarliksi focus on protecting its limestone scree habitats, monitoring population trends, and mitigating the effects of glacial meltwater changes. Further studies are necessary to clarify its ecological role, reproductive biology, and response to environmental stressors.