A study has reported that seven Western Ghats–endemic galaxy frogs (Melanobatrachus indicus) disappeared from their habitat and are feared dead, following disturbance caused by unethical wildlife photography practices. The findings are published in the journal Herpetology Notes in the paper titled: “Unethical wildlife photography imperils the Western Ghats endemic galaxy frog, Melanobatrachus indicus Beddome, 1878.”
- Authors: K.P. Rajkumar, Benjamin Tapley, Jyoti Das, Sandeep Das (Zoological Society of London) and P.S. Easa (Chairperson, Aranyakam Nature Foundation, Thrissur).
Key Findings of Study
- Seven galaxy frogs vanished after repeated disturbances by photographers — likely leading to mortality.
- Photographers engaged in harmful practices such as:
- Dislocating logs and altering microhabitats
- Handling frogs with bare hands
- Using high-powered flashlights and camera flashes
- When logs were overturned, the moss-covered underside was exposed, permanently changing:
- Moisture & temperature conditions
- Habitat stability
Result → frogs never returned to the site.
- Disturbances likely affected feeding, sheltering, and breeding success.
Recommendations from Study
To minimise ecological harm, the study calls for ethical photography standards:
- Restrict:
- Handling, chasing, or capturing animals
- Physical manipulation of habitats
- Limit intense lighting & flashes; use diffusers when necessary.
- Avoid interference with natural behaviour & microhabitats.
- Forest Departments should:
- Collaborate with Tourism Departments
- Train guides & tour operators on ethical wildlife photography practices.
Galaxy Frog (Melanobatrachus indicus)
Distinctive Features
- Size: 2–3.5 cm (smaller than a fingertip)
- Appearance:
- Shiny black skin with pale blue speckles
- Orange streaks resembling supernova patterns
- Looks like a starry night sky
- Behavioural traits:
- Do not produce calls
- Scientists believe they communicate using body markings
- Very rare & difficult to locate
Historical Note
- First described in 1878
- Still poorly documented due to rarity and secretive behaviour.
Conservation Status & Threats
- Listed as Vulnerable — IUCN Red List
- Restricted to small patches of forest in the Western Ghats (Kerala)
- Survival depends on precise temperature & humidity conditions (cold-blooded amphibian).
Major Threats
- Forest-to-agriculture conversion
- Firewood collection & landslides
- Photo-tourism pressure — especially after the species was declared a flagship species of Mathikettan Shola National Park (2021)
- Human disturbance affecting breeding
- Frogs rely on calling-based mating
- Constant movement disrupts courtship
- Handling & flash exposure risks
- Skin moisture disruption
- Stress & heat exposure
- Possible pathogen transfer from humans
Impact of Human Activity
- Galaxy frogs require highly specific microclimatic conditions.
- Disturbances such as:
- Frequent human presence
- Flash heat exposure
- Bare-hand handling → Increase mortality risk and disrupt reproduction.
Key Facts
Western Ghats
- UNESCO World Heritage Site & Biodiversity Hotspot
- States covered: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat
- Known for high endemism in amphibians & reptiles
IUCN Red List
- Categories: EX, EW, CR, EN, VU, NT, LC
- Galaxy Frog Status: Vulnerable (VU)
Mathikettan Shola National Park (Kerala)
- Location: Idukki district
- Declared: 2003
- Known for shola forest ecosystem & rare amphibians
Ethical Wildlife Photography Principles (Global Best Practices)
- Do no harm to habitat
- No handling / habitat manipulation
- Avoid flash on nocturnal amphibians
- Prioritise conservation over aesthetics