Species in news: Indian Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus) 

Species in news: Indian Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus) 

Part of: GS Prelims and Mains III – Endangered species; Conservation 

About  

• IUCN category: Least concern 
• It is one of the most familiar and abundant frogs of South and South-East Asia, and also the largest frog found in the Indian Subcontinent. 
• Their opportunistic feeding behaviour, prolific breeding (with large egg clutches) and adaptability makes them invasive in nature, where they tend to overpower other native species, a problem frogs native to Andamans are facing at present. 
• The species was also introduced in Madagascar and the situation follows the same course 

Do you know? 

• Bullfrog legs are considered a delicacy and they are illegally hunted and served in several places across the country even though the species is protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act of India, 1971.  
• It is the most hunted frog across the country and the forest department works diligently towards any leads to try and curb its consumption.