Endangered Galaxy Frogs Disappear from Kerala's Western Ghats Amid Photographers' Habitat Disturbance
Melanobatrachus indicus, commonly known as the galaxy frog, is a fingertip-sized and endangered species endemic to Kerala's Western Ghats. This ancient and irreplaceable frog species, the sole member of its family, inhabits microhabitats under logs in the rainforest.
The species appears to have disappeared or is presumed dead following habitat disturbances caused by photographers attempting to capture images of the frogs. Since its first documentation in early 2020 by Rajkumar K P, who found seven individuals, subsequent visits revealed the frogs had vanished after Covid-related travel restrictions.
Photographers have been accused of damaging the delicate microhabitats by breaking logs, trampling vegetation, and handling frogs without gloves. On one recorded occasion, five to six frogs were captured, with two fatalities resulting from prolonged handling and relocation to improve photo backgrounds.
Tracker reports confirmed that multiple small groups of photographers visited the site, causing habitat disturbance and relocating individuals. Initial suspicions of predation by wild animals like the brown mongoose were dismissed as unlikely.
Efforts by the forest department to restrict these photographer groups have been reportedly undermined by political influence and interference from higher officials, complicating conservation measures.
Conservationists emphasize that the galaxy frog represents an ancient lineage that cannot be replaced. They call for ethical photography practices to prevent further harm and protect the species' habitat and survival.
