Why in news?
A local naturalist recently reported sighting a rare Malabar gliding frog near Hirebagewadi in Karnataka's Belagavi district. Such sightings are uncommon and highlight the presence of this colourful amphibian outside its typical strongholds in the Western Ghats.
Background
The Malabar gliding frog (Rhacophorus malabaricus) is a tree-dwelling species endemic to the Western Ghats of India. Measuring about 10 cm in length, it has a bright green back, yellow sides and striking orange-red webbing between its toes that enables it to glide between trees. When disturbed, it can launch itself from a branch and spread its fully webbed feet like parachutes, covering distances of up to 10 m to escape predators.
The species inhabits moist evergreen forests across Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Goa. During the monsoon, males call loudly to attract females. Pairs make a foam nest on leaves overhanging water; the tadpoles drop into the water once they hatch. The frog is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) but faces threats from habitat loss, pollution and climate change.
Recent sighting and its importance
The individual spotted near Belagavi had a slender green body, bright red feet and yellow fingers, matching the distinctive description of the species. According to local reports, the frog was seen perched on a palm tree and glided between branches using its large webbed toes. Such records outside protected forests indicate that patches of suitable habitat still exist in human-dominated landscapes.
Naturalists noted that the frog's presence is a reminder of the rich but fragile biodiversity of the Western Ghats. Rapid urbanisation, pesticide use and changing rainfall patterns are shrinking and degrading the moist forests on which the species depends. Observers have also raised concerns about contamination of local water bodies, which could affect frog reproduction.
Conclusion
The Malabar gliding frog fascinates biologists and lay people alike with its ability to "parachute" between trees. Protecting the interconnected canopy and clean water sources of the Western Ghats is essential for the survival of this and many other unique species. Community awareness and habitat restoration can ensure that rare sightings become more common in the future.
Source: The Times of India . Wikipedia - Malabar gliding frog