The Myristica swamp treefrog, a creature once elusive to the urbanised regions of India, has recently made its presence known in Kerala’s Thrissur district. This marks the first-known appearance of this amphibian species in this area. Its existence brings stark attention to the current state of the tropical freshwater swamps they inhabit, as well as the potential repercussions of climate change on such ecosystems.
Understanding the Myristica Swamp Treefrog
Scientifically named Mercurana myristicapalustris, these frogs are native to the Western Ghats. They belong to a group of arboreal species, which means they typically live among trees. Their activity during most of the year remains largely hidden with their active presence becoming noticeable only during their brief breeding season.
The breeding season for these frogs is unique and differs from other frog species. It begins in May, just before the monsoon season. The male and female frogs descend from the canopies to the forest floor, where the female digs into the mud to lay her eggs. Once the egg laying is complete, the frogs retreat back to the high canopies. They remain there, elusive to human eye till their next breeding season commences.
The Home of the Frog: Myristica Swamps
The Myristica swamps are tropical freshwater swamp forests abundant with Myristica trees. These trees are ancient flowering plants with a dense network of stilt roots that allow them to stand tall amidst the wet alluvial soil. Nestled in valleys, the swamps are prone to inundation during heavy monsoon rainfalls.
Besides being considered as living museums of ancient life, these swamps serve various important functions. They provide a habitat for a rich variety of species including invertebrates, vertebrates, reptiles and mammals. Moreover, studies suggest that these wetlands house an estimated 23% of Kerala’s butterflies, over 50% of amphibians, and more than 20% of the state’s reptiles and birds.
Climate Control: Role of Myristica Swamps
These swamps also play a significant role in managing the climate. They possess a high watershed value and when disturbed, their ability to hold water reduces, leading to floods during the monsoon, and dry streambeds during the rest of the year.
Furthermore, these swamps function as carbon sinks and can store significant amounts of carbon produced by upland agriculture, forestry, and other land uses. This makes them ideal for carbon sequestration efforts, and they’re known to have a higher potential to store carbon than nearby non-swamp forests.
The Current State of Myristica Swamps
Sadly, despite their significant ecological functions, the current condition of the Myristica swamps is far from ideal. Studies indicate that these swamps, which once covered large areas of the Western Ghats, are now restricted to less than 200 hectares in the country.
Moreover, the existing swamps are fragmented and scattered, with the majority being located in Kerala. Other patches can be found in Karnataka and Goa, but overall, this exceptional wetland has largely disappeared from the Indian subcontinent due to climatic changes over the last 18,000 to 50,000 years, during the Late Pleistocene period.