Why in News
- On World Frog Day (March 20), attention is drawn to India’s amphibians, where citizen science and conservation initiatives are helping address rising threats like climate change and habitat loss.
Ecological Importance of Frogs
- Act as link between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
- Control insect populations (pests)
- Serve as food for higher vertebrates
- Help convert: → Insect biomass → Vertebrate biomass
Global & Indian Status
- As per International Union for Conservation of Nature:
- Amphibians = most threatened vertebrates
- 37 species extinct globally
- India:
- 450+ amphibian species
- ~25% threatened
- ~20% data deficient
Major Threats to Frogs
1. Disease (Historical Driver)
- Chytridiomycosis caused by:
- Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
- Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans
- Affects frog skin (critical for respiration & ion balance)
- Impact: → Affected >60% amphibians globally
2. Climate Change (Current Major Driver)
- Impacts 39% species
- Causes:
- Mismatch in monsoon timing
- Breeding failures due to: Early rains + prolonged dry spells
3. Habitat Loss
- Impacts 37% species
- Includes: Wetland loss, Deforestation, and Urbanisation.
| [2024] Consider the following: 1. Butterflies 2. Fish 3. Frogs How many of the above have poisonous species among them? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None |
