Myristica Swamp Treefrog recorded for the first time

Myristica Swamp Treefrog recorded for the first time

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment; biodiversity

In news

• Myristica swamp treefrog, has been recorded for the first time in the Vazhachal Reserve Forest in Kerala’s Thrissur district.
• It is a rare arboreal species endemic to the Western Ghats.

Important value addition

• Scientific name: Mercurana myristicapalustris.
• These frogs are rare and elusive for the reason that they are arboreal and active only for a few weeks during their breeding season.
• During this season, there is a large aggregation of males that descend from the high canopy of the trees.
• The males vocalise in groups from the low perches in the swamps.
• They exhibit unique breeding behaviour.
• The breeding season, unlike for other frogs, starts in the pre-monsoon season (May) and ends before the monsoon.