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Species in News: Malabar Tree Toad
Context:
- According to a recent study, climate change could reduce the Malabar Tree Toad’s (MTT) habitat in India’s protected areas by up to 68.7%.
- This significant decrease highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect the species.
About MTT’s:
- Scientific Name: Pedostibes tuberculosus
- Common Names: Warty Asian Tree Toad
- Family: Bufonidae (True Toads)
- It is endemic to the Western Ghats of India and is the sole species in the monotypic genus Pedostibes.
- Indian States: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Goa.
- Diet: Insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
- IUCN Status: Endangered (EN)
- Habitat: Moist deciduous and evergreen forests, near streams and waterfalls.
- Predators: Snakes, birds, and larger amphibians are potential predators.
- Colour: Light brown or grey with darker patches and spots.
- Rediscovery: It was first discovered in 1876 but was not seen for over 100 years. It was rediscovered in 1980 at Silent Valley National Park in Kerala.
- Significance: This unique amphibian plays a significant role in its ecosystem by controlling insect populations and indicating forest health.
- Threats: Habitat loss due to deforestation, logging, and agricultural activities; pollution of freshwater sources; use of pesticides and herbicides; introduction of invasive species.
- Conservation Efforts: Frogwatch: A citizen science project to map the distribution and ecology of the species.