Sanctuary Asia - May 2018

10 SANCTUARY ASIA, 2017 SEPTEMBER

Toads and frogs begin their lives as tiny aquatic eggs, from which

emerge tadpoles, which then metamorphose into adults. They

play a big role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Also,

it’s so much fun to watch them hop around! By Dr. R. Alexandar

oadds andd f frogs bbegii th i lin their lives as titiny aquatitic eggs, ffrom whi hhich

mergetadpoles whichthenmetamorphoseintoadults They

FROGS and TOADS

Amphibians, though a common sight, are declining more rapidly

than both birds and mammals. In India, there is a need to monitor

populations of frogs and toads. Concern for these important

species can help save them from extinction.

NATURE’S ‘PEST CONTROL’

By feeding on insects, snakes and other animals, frogs and toads

not only maintain the food web but also rid our gardens of

harmful pests such as mosquitoes.

BIG GUYS

Among India’s frogs and toads, the Indian bullfrog Hoplobatrachus

tigerinus is the largest species, growing up to 15 cm. in length.

They come in a range of colours from yellow to olive green, with

dark irregular markings. They have pointed snouts, long hind

limbs, and almost entirely webbed toes.

Depending largely on freshwater ecosystems, natural or artificial,

the Indian bullfrog forages at night and feeds on invertebrates,

small mammals and even small birds. Breeding takes place during

the monsoon season, when adults congregate in rainwater pools.

Though they produce a large number of eggs, only a few tadpoles

survive to adulthood.

TIMES OF TROUBLE

Today, frog and toad populations are facing a number of

problems such as pollution, habitat loss, invasive species* and

climate change. Unless we act quickly, frogs and toads will

disappear. According to the Global Amphibian Assessment, over

32 per cent of global amphibian species are on the verge of

extinction. The report also emphasised that the major threats

to amphibian populations are changes in freshwater quality and

terrestrial habitats.

A Concern For

10 SANCTUARY ASIA, 2018 MAY * See glossary on page 23

Indian bullfrog

YOGESH DURGE / ENTRY-SANCTUARY WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS 2017

DR. R. ALEXANDAR

Asian common toad