Living Fossils & Helmeted Water Toad

Why in News?

A frog species ‘Helmeted Water Toad’ considered as a living fossil is losing its ground in its native Chile as climate change and human intervention damage its habitat.

• Living fossil – It refers to an ‘archaic’ species that has
  • Survived for a long time
  • Anatomy harks back to an early stage in the group’s evolutionary tree
  • Remained unchanged for much of that period
• There are several species that are often referred to as living fossils, including coelacanths, horseshoe crabs, tuataras and nautiloids.

Helmeted Water Toad

• Scientific name – Calyptocephallela gayi.

• Morphology – It is one of the largest frogs in the world, growing up to over 30 cm (1 foot) in length and weighing up to 1 kg (2.2 lbs).

• Living fossil – The amphibian has seen little genetic variation for millions of years, but now its future is at risk.
• Challenges – The species that managed to coexist with dinosaurs, that managed to resist a mass extinction, is now threatened by human beings.
• Living environment – It spans from the northern region of Coquimbo to the southern island of Chiloe.
• Threats – Its population is suspected to have declined by at least 30% since 1990 due to factors like
  • Climate change
  • Habitat interruption
  • Environmental decline
  • Pollution
  • Poor water and waste management
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN Red List – Vulnerable

Reference

The Hindu| Declining of Helmeted Water Toad- A Living Fossil