New Delhi: A Delhi University researcher has found, for the first time in Asia, a rare species of frogs making leaf nest to lay eggs.Dr SD Biju of Delhi University says the discovery of this "rare and endemic species" was made in 2000 in the rainforests of the Western Ghats mountain range in the southern states of Kerala and Karnataka.
The scientist visited the breeding sites for several monsoon months and established the first report from Asia about frogs making leaf nests. "Getting a complete sequence of nesting events is not a simple thing!" admits Dr Biju.
The behavior of the Rhacophorus lateralis is not usual in frogs. These tiny amphibians, which measure up to 12 cm (about 5 inches) in length, make their nests after laying eggs in order to protect them from predators and heat. They roll leaves from top to bottom in order to make a cocoon and produce a sticky substance to close the ends to secure the eggs.
They are different from American and African leaf-nesting frogs since they make their nests after the females have laid the eggs.
The R. lateralis is an endangered species, seriously threatened by coffee as well as other plantations. They are progressively loosing their habitat in the forest. Thereby, "a better understanding of the breeding biology of this frog is critical for its conservation management." Dr Biju, an associate professor of the School of Environmental Studies in Delhi University, has posted details about his discovery on his research website (www.frogindia.org).
