Of India’s 405 amphibians, 239 are found in the Western Ghats.
As much as 130 new amphibians, that include frogs, toads, caecilians (limbless amphibians) and salamanders, have been discovered in the Western Ghats since the year 2000.
Why the sudden surge in new discoveries?
In the past, biologists mainly relied on physical characteristics to identify species.
This might have resulted in labelling wrongly.
Recent advances in science have ensured that detailed and comparative studies of frog genes, behaviour, calls and physical characteristics are possible.
Technology and modern gear has helped in observing them at night which is when amphibians are active.
Better access online to type specimens of previously described taxa in open access forums has also helped.
How do these discoveries matter?
Distinguishing taxonomic status is the crucial first step to understanding amphibian ecology and evolution better.
It can be vital for conservation efforts.
It tells us how frogs adapt to their surroundings; and in turn helps us see how they can adapt to changing climates.
Studies to understand the effects of climate change on amphibian life-histories are vital.
Being restricted to small areas or ‘microhabitats’, even small changes in temperature could be dangerous for frogs.
It is also crucial to understand the role of frogs in the ecosystem.
High insect populations could decimate crop produce and affect humans directly, but frogs keep them under control.
They also have porous skin, which means that any pollution in the local ecosystem will affect them first.
Thus they are great bio-indicators and reflect the health of an ecosystem.
