Myristica Swamp Treefrog (Mercurana myristicapalustris), a rare arboreal (tree-dwelling) species prevalent in the Western Ghats, has been recorded for the first time in Vazhachal Reserve Forest in Thrissur. These frogs are rare and elusive as they are arboreal. During this season, a large aggregation of males descends from the high canopy of the trees and vocalize in groups from low perches in the swamps. The breeding season, unlike for other frogs, starts in the pre-monsoons season (May) and ends before the monsoon becomes fully active in June. Before the end of the breeding season, the female frogs along with their male counterparts descend to the forest floor. The female digs the mud and lays eggs in shallow burrows in mud. They then retreat back to the high canopies of the tree and remain elusive until the next breeding season.
Before the end of the breeding season, the female frogs along with their male counterparts descend to the forest floor. The female digs the mud and lays eggs in shallow burrows in mud. After breeding and egg-laying, they retreat back to the high canopies of the tree and remain elusive till next breeding season.
Extended distribution of such rare frogs in the Western Ghats have conservation implications and provide a suitable niche for further studies on the diverse amphibian fauna of the Western Ghats, says Sanil George, Scientist E-II, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, and D.A. Evans, Former Associate Professor, University College, Thiruvananthapuram, who have co-authored the article along with Mr. Sujith.
Picture Credit : Google
