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.
