Relevance for UPSC: GS III (Environment, Biodiversity); Source: The Hindu, Herpetology Notes

Context

A recent scientific study reports that seven individuals of the rare Galaxy frog were sighted in 2020 but never observed again, raising concerns of local extinction due to human disturbance in fragile forest habitats.

Species in News

  • Galaxy frog
  • Endemic to India, found only in the Western Ghats (Kerala)
  • Lives under rotten logs in shola forests
  • Small-sized (2–3.5 cm) and non-vocal amphibian

Key Findings

  • Seven frogs recorded in March 2020 were not seen subsequently
  • Researchers presume them dead or locally extinct
  • Study published in Herpetology Notes (December 2025)

Cause Identified

  • Unregulated photo tourism
  • Turning of logs, trampling of microhabitats
  • Handling with bare hands and prolonged camera flash exposure
  • Caused stress, habitat damage, and breeding disruption

UPSC Value Box 

  • Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)
  • Key concept: Endemic and microhabitat-specific species
  • Threat type: Anthropogenic disturbance (not climate change alone)
  • Ecosystem: Shola forests – montane evergreen systems
  • SDGs: SDG 15 (Life on Land)

Conclusion

The Galaxy frog episode highlights how unregulated human activity, even without habitat destruction, can threaten highly specialised endemic species, underscoring the need for ethical wildlife practices.

Q. With reference to the Galaxy frog, consider the following statements:

  1. It is endemic to the Western Ghats.
  2. It inhabits freshwater ponds.
  3. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: A

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