Elusive dancing frogs of Western Ghats a threatened species: Global Amphibian Assessment report

Source: The post is based on the article “Elusive dancing frogs of Western Ghats a threatened species: Global Amphibian Assessment report” published in “Deccan Herald” on 11th October 2023

What is the News?

The Second Global Amphibian Assessment report has been released.

What is Global Amphibian Assessment?

It is a comprehensive analysis of 8,011 species worldwide.

The analysis was led by Re:wild, Synchronicity Earth and the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group.

What are the key findings of the Second Global Amphibian Assessment Report?

Amphibians on the brink of extinction: Around 41% of amphibian species are on the brink of extinction.

– This means around two out of every five amphibian species are at risk of extinction.

Major threats to amphibians include climate change, habitat loss, disease, fire, invasive species and over-exploitation.

Out of 426 amphibian species assessed in India, 139 are threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable).

Region rich in Amphibian Diversity: The Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot spread across Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is rich in amphibian diversity.

– However, around 64 species of amphibians found in the Western Ghats are on the list of endangered species. 

– The Micrixalus genus (dancing frogs) in the Western Ghats is the most threatened frog genus in India.

Note: Dancing Frogs are endemic to the Western Ghats of India.They have a curious habit of waving their hind legs to defend their territory from intruding males during the breeding season.

– Nyctibatrachidae (night frogs) are also highly threatened in southern states.

Amphibian Recovery Project: Wildlife Trust of India has launched Amphibian Recovery Project in the Munnar Landscape of Kerala.

– The project is actively working to recover the population of threatened amphibians by addressing the challenges that cause the risk of extinction.

– Currently, the project is focussing on 5 species —Deccan Night Frog (Endangered), Resplendent Resplendent shrub frog (Endangered), Kadalar Swamp Frog (Endangered), Anaimalai Flying Frog (Vulnerable), and Meowing Night Frog (Near Threatened).