The recent sighting of a rare amphibian known as the Malabar Gliding Frog (Rhacophorus malabaricus) in Pullad, Kerala has brought the creature into the spotlight. This frog is endemic to the rainforests of western ghats, meaning it exists only in this geographical region.
Understanding the Malabar Gliding Frog
The Malabar Gliding Frog is a unique amphibian identifiable by its green skin and slender body. It has webbed feet and possesses an incredible ability to camouflage, a defense mechanism used to blend in with their surroundings. These frogs have stick-like fingers and toes which enable them to walk through tree branches. They possess high gliding abilities, allowing them to cover 10 to 12 feet in a single leap due to the long skin between their fingers. With a body length of 10cm, these frogs rank among the largest mossy frogs.
Mossy Frogs and Their Behavior
“Mossy Frogs” earned their name due to their green skin that resembles moss growing on a rock. Breeding usually occurs during the monsoon season, with females choosing lush green leaves overhanging a waterbody for spawning. Due to their soft bodies, these frogs typically reside in moist forests with streams. Interesting behavior, such as building foam nests above small pools of water for their tadpoles, and instances of cannibalism among tadpoles has been observed in these species.
The Malabar Gliding Frog’s Protection Status
Despite the fascinating nature of the Malabar Gliding Frog, it’s not free from threats. On the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, this frog is placed in the Least Concern category. However, its population is declining due to deforestation, climate change, developmental activities, and toxic chemicals.
The Western Ghats: A Biodiversity Hotspot
The Western Ghats, where the Malabar Gliding Frog is endemic to, is a mountain range running parallel along the western coast of India. Starting from Gujarat and ending in Tamil Nadu, it covers six Indian states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Recognized as a “Hottest Hotspot” of biodiversity, the Ghats are often referred to as the Great Escarpment of India and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Western Ghats are known for high Biodiversity and Endemism, along with the presence of Evergreen Forests.
Amphibians: The First Cold-blooded Animals on Land
Belonging to the Chordata phylum of the kingdom Animalia, amphibians like the Malabar Gliding Frog are multicellular vertebrates that live both on land and water. Salamanders and frogs are examples of such creatures. They were the first cold-blooded animals to have appeared on land, meaning they cannot regulate their internal body temperature with changes in the environment. They possess unique features, such as the ability to respire through both lungs and skin, and having a three-chambered heart.