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Photographers' Mistake Kills Rare 'Galaxy Frogs'
17 Dec
Summary
- Endangered galaxy frogs died after photographers handled them without gloves.
- Microhabitats of rare frogs were destroyed by photographers seeking photos.
- Researchers found the frogs' homes destroyed and the species missing.
A tragedy has befallen the unique "galaxy frogs" of Kerala's rainforest, with a group of these endangered amphibians now presumed dead. Their demise is attributed to the actions of nature photographers who, in their pursuit of captivating images, destroyed the frogs' delicate microhabitats and mishandled the creatures. The frogs, scientifically known as Melanobatrachus indicus, are the sole members of their family and are found under logs in the Western Ghats rainforest.
Researcher Rajkumar K P discovered the frogs in early 2020 but was unable to visit them for an extended period due to the Covid pandemic. Upon his return, he found their habitat, including a large fallen log, severely disturbed and the frogs gone. Investigation by trackers revealed that photographers had been overturning logs, capturing the frogs, and posing them for pictures without wearing gloves, despite the frogs' skin-breathing sensitivity.
Tragically, one tracker reported that two galaxy frogs died due to prolonged handling. This incident has left researchers like Rajkumar feeling helpless, highlighting a disregard for conservation efforts. Efforts by forest department officers to prevent such intrusions are sometimes circumvented by influential individuals, raising concerns about the future of irreplaceable species like the galaxy frog.
