Galaxy Frogs
Context:
A recent study published in Herpetology Notes highlights a disturbing trend where unethical wildlife photography led to the disappearance and likely death of a group of rare Galaxy Frogs in the Western Ghats.
About Galaxy Frogs (Melanobatrachus indicus):
These small amphibians feature shiny black skin dotted with pale blue speckles resembling a starry sky, along with orange patterns.
They are endemic to the Western Ghats of Kerala and live exclusively under rotten logs, requiring precise micro-climatic conditions to survive.
Unlike most frogs, they do not produce sounds and are believed to communicate using their unique spots
They are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
In 2021, they were designated as the flagship species of the Mathikettan Shola National Park.
Threats:
Traditional Threats include conversion of forests to farmland, firewood collection, and landslides
Impact of Photo Tourism:
The study found that hordes of photographers overturned logs to find the frogs, altering their crucial microhabitat
Also handling frogs with bare hands creates risks of pathogen transfer and dries their skin, hampering their ability to respire
Exposure to high-intensity camera flashes and physical displacement for picturesque backdrops can lead to death.