This species is semi-aquatic, and adults are found in moist grassy areas as well as in crevices, under boulders, and on other flat, wet surfaces in rocky hill streams of submontante and montane forest (Sri Lanka Red List Assessment Workshop February 2020). Tadpoles are found on wet rock surfaces. This species is not likely to tolerate habitat disturbance (Sri Lanka Red List Assessment Workshop February 2020).

This species is restricted to the Knuckles Mountain range at elevations between 200-1,300 m asl (Sri Lanka Red List Assessment Workshop February 2020). This species is expected to occur between known localities, but is not likely to occur more widely (Sri Lanka Red List Assessment Workshop February 2020). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) is 4,950 km², and its distribution is likely to represent five or fewer threat-defined locations due to the different intensity levels of agricultural encroachment and development.

Conservation Actions In Place
This species occurs in the Knuckles Forest Reserve. Efforts from the Upula Forest Department since 2000 have worked to halt the expansion of cardamom plantations within the reserve. As a result, the recovery of canopy cover has been documented (Upula Forest Department pers. comm. February 2020). 

Conservation Needed
Expansion of effective forest preservation and continued management of existing protected areas is essential for the conservation of this species.

Research Needed
More information is needed on this species' distribution, population status, ecology, and threats. There is a need for monitoring the population status of this species given the threats of encroaching agriculture, tourism, and the potential impacts of climate change.