Cascade Frog (Amolops formosus)

Source- This post on Cascade Frog (Amolops formosus) is based on the article “Assam cascade frog test for Himachal stream water flow impact” published in The Hindu on 17th September 2024.

Why in News?

Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have gained insights into how water flow influences the presence and abundance of Cascade frog species.

About Cascade Frog (Amolops formosus)

1. Location: Cascade Frog are found in India (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam), Northern Bangladesh, and much of Nepal.

2. Characteristics:

a. The Assam Cascade Frog has a slender body and long legs, which make it highly adept at jumping across rocks and swimming in strong currents.
b. It has smooth skin, and its skin colouration is a blend of earthy browns and greens, providing excellent camouflage against the rocky and leafy surroundings of its habitat.
c. Some individuals have light stripes or patterns on their backs or limbs.

3. Habitat: This species thrives in hilly, forested areas where there are streams and waterfalls. These frogs are often found near the water’s edge, where they lay their eggs.

4. Species Behaviour: Assam Cascade Frogs are mainly nocturnal and are active during the rainy season when the water flow in their habitats is high. They are insectivores, feeding on small insects and other invertebrates they find near the water or on the forest floor.

5. Conservation status:
a. It is currently classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
b. It is not listed under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (IWPA). It is also not included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

6. Major Threats: Habitat loss due to deforestation and alterations in water management, such as dam construction.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment