Agroforestry Threatens Endemic Frog Species in Western Ghats

Sub : Env

Sec: Species in news

Why in News

A recent study conducted by Indian researchers highlights the detrimental effects of agroforestry practices on endemic frog species in the northern Western Ghats. The findings emphasize the urgent need for conservation measures to mitigate habitat loss and protect amphibian biodiversity.

Key Points:

The findings were published in Ecological Applications, a journal of the Ecological Society of America.
Funding Organizations: On the Edge Conservation (UK), BEAG, The Habitat Trust, and NCF-India.
Location: Low-elevation lateritic plateaus of Maharashtra’s northern Western Ghats.
Sampling Sites: Devi Hasol, Devache Gothane, Gaonkhadi, and Bakale.
Effects on Frog Diversity and Abundance

Lowest Diversity: Observed in paddy fields.

Least Abundance: Recorded in orchards.

Endemic Frogs at Risk: CEPF burrowing frog (Minervarya cepfi) and Goan Fejervarya (Minervarya gomantaki) were significantly less abundant in modified habitats.
These findings indicate that agroforestry practices pose a serious threat to vulnerable amphibians.
Traditional conversion of plateaus into paddy fields has been replaced by blasting and transforming land into mango and cashew orchards.
The loss of rock pools, which protect tadpoles and eggs during monsoon dry spells, further endangers amphibian populations.
Frogs like Minervarya sahyadrensis, common in South Asia, were more prevalent in paddy fields.

About CEPF Burrowing Frog (Minervarya cepfi):

Native Habitat: Endemic to the northern Western Ghats.
Key Features:
- Known for burrowing behaviour.
- Relies on undisturbed habitats like lateritic plateaus.
- Vulnerable to habitat modification due to agricultural expansion.
Sensitive to habitat changes, indicating the need for protection of natural ecosystems.

About Goan Fejervarya (Minervarya gomantaki):

Native Habitat: Endemic to Goa and surrounding areas in the Western Ghats.
Key Features:
- Prefers clean freshwater habitats.
- Low abundance in modified landscapes like orchards and paddy fields.
- Plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems.
Threatened by agroforestry practices that reduce critical habitats like rock pools.

About Minervarya sahyadrensis:

Native Habitat: Found widely across South Asia, including the Western Ghats.
Key Features:
- A generalist species that thrives in modified habitats like paddy fields.
- Exhibits adaptability to human-modified environments.
Indicator of community shifts in frog populations due to habitat alterations.