Abstract
Relative to the area encompassing, Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary harbours a rich lower vertebrate fauna. This is more true in respect of fishes and amphibians about which more information is available. Based on recent studies, 84 species belonging to the lower vertebrate groups are found here which comprise four endemic to the Sanctuary, 32 to the Western Ghats mostly its southern ranges and 41 to India. The species composition and some of the factors contributing to the species richness of the Sanctuary are discussed.