Source:

Hindu

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Context

• The Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz 2024 is a citizen science initiative organized by the Centre for Citizen Science and Biodiversity Informatics under the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI).
• This project aims to document the frog species in Kerala, India, during the monsoon season, highlighting the importance of frogs as indicators of ecosystem health.

Details

Project Goals

• Documentation:To record the presence and diversity of frog species across various habitats in Kerala.
• Public Participation:Encourage people of all ages to engage in scientific documentation.
• Awareness and Conservation:Use the collected data to promote biodiversity awareness and inform conservation strategies.

Importance of Frogs

• Ecosystem Indicators:Frogs are sensitive to environmental changes, making them valuable indicators of ecosystem health.
• Threats:Climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and altered rainfall patterns are significant threats to frog populations.
• Conservation Status:Approximately 41% of frog species worldwide are listed as endangered by the IUCN. Kerala, with over 200 frog species, faces similar conservation challenges.

Key Activities

• Bioblitz:An intensive survey aimed at identifying as many frog species as possible within a designated area and time frame.
• Habitats:Frogs are documented not only in forests but also in farms, gardens, and backyards.
• Public Involvement:Citizens contribute to the scientific community by sharing observations and data through the iNaturalist platform.

Benefits of the Project

• Scientific Contribution:Enhances the understanding of frog distribution and diversity in Kerala.
• Conservation Efforts:Helps in identifying key habitats and formulating conservation strategies.
• Climate Change Research:Provides data for studying the impacts of climate change on amphibian populations.
• Policy Making:Informs environmental policies and conservation priorities based on scientific data.

About Frogs

Taxonomy and Classification

• Kingdom:Animalia
• Phylum:Chordata
• Class:Amphibia
• Order:Anura
• Families:Includes over 50 families, such as Ranidae (true frogs), Hylidae (tree frogs), Bufonidae (toads), and Dendrobatidae (poison dart frogs).

Physical Description

• Size:Varies widely; smallest species like Paedophryne amauensis are about 7.7 mm, while the largest, Conraua goliath, can be up to 32 cm (12.6 inches).
• Body Structure:Short-bodied, broad-headed with protruding eyes, and long hind legs adapted for leaping.
• Skin:Smooth or warty, often moist due to mucus secretion; coloration ranges from dull browns and greens to bright, vivid patterns for camouflage or warning.

Distribution and Habitat

• Global Range:Found on every continent except Antarctica.
• Habitat:Diverse, including tropical rainforests, temperate forests, deserts, savannas, freshwater bodies (ponds, lakes, rivers), and even urban areas.
• Altitude Range:From sea level to high mountain regions.

Life Cycle and Reproduction

• Egg Stage:Typically laid in water; some species lay eggs in moist terrestrial environments.
• Larval Stage (Tadpoles):Aquatic, with gills for respiration and a diet primarily consisting of algae and plant matter.
• Metamorphosis:Transformation from tadpole to adult frog involves development of lungs, limbs, and the absorption of the tail.
• Adult Stage:Primarily carnivorous, feeding on insects, small invertebrates, and occasionally small vertebrates.

Behavior and Ecology

• Diet:Carnivorous as adults; diet includes insects, spiders, worms, and small vertebrates. Some tadpoles are herbivorous or omnivorous.
• Predation:Predators include birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, and other amphibians.
• Defense Mechanisms:Camouflage, toxic skin secretions, and startling displays (e.g., sudden leaps or revealing bright colors).

Vocalizations

• Purpose:Mating calls, territorial calls, distress calls.
• Sound Production:Vocal sacs amplify sound; calls can range from croaks and ribbits to whistles and trills.
• Communication:Important for mating and establishing territories.

Adaptations

• Camouflage:Blending with surroundings to avoid predators.
• Toxins:Many species produce skin toxins as a defense mechanism.
• Breathing:Can respire through lungs, skin, and the lining of the mouth.
• Jumping Ability:Powerful hind legs adapted for leaping. 

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List:Various statuses; some species are Least Concern, while others are Critically Endangered.
• Threats:Habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, disease (e.g., chytridiomycosis), invasive species, over-exploitation.
• Conservation Efforts:Habitat protection, captive breeding programs, disease management, and environmental regulations.

Interesting Facts

• Diverse Reproduction Strategies:Some frogs exhibit unique reproductive behaviors, such as carrying eggs on their backs or in their mouths.
• Antifreeze-like Substances:Certain species produce glycerol or glucose to survive freezing temperatures.
• Regenerative Abilities:Some frogs can regenerate lost limbs, though not as efficiently as salamanders.
• Indicator Species:Frogs are often used as bioindicators due to their sensitivity to environmental changes.

Notable Species

• Common Frog (Rana temporaria):Widespread in Europe.
• American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus):Native to North America, known for its deep call.
• Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobatidae):Small, brightly colored frogs from Central and South America, known for their potent toxins.
• Goliath Frog (Conraua goliath):Largest frog species, found in West Africa.

Sources:

Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements regarding frogs: Frogs are amphibians belonging to the order Anura. Frogs undergo complete metamorphosis, starting as tadpoles and developing into adults. Frogs respire through lungs throughout their life cycle. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Options: A. 1 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2, and 3 Answer: B