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Home > Species > Amphibians > Galaxy Frog

Galaxy Frog

About

This is an extremely rare species, the population is fragmented with a total size of less than 5,000 km².

This species is part of the Microhylid frog family and molecular data has shown that the initial divergence of the Microhylidae family to have taken place about 66 millions of years ago, or immediately after the Cretaceous extinction event.

The main threat to this species is the conversion of forested area to cultivated land.

The galaxy frog has been recorded in several protected areas but further site management and research into this species is required.

  • Order: Anura
  • Family: Microhylidae
  • Trend: decreasing

EDGE Score

EDGE Score: 5.85 (?)
ED Score: 42.44 (?)
GE / IUCN Red List (?)
Not Evaluated Data Deficient Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in the Wild Extinct

Distribution

This species is endemic to the southern Western Ghats of India, where it is known from only 3 sites.

Habitat and Ecology

This species is associated with leaf litter, rocks and other ground cover of moist evergreen tropical forests. Calling males have been observed next to pools in streams but there is no further information on larval development.

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Download the Survival Blueprint for this species below. Each survival blueprint is compiled by an EDGE Fellow working on the species with input from collaborators and stakeholders. The Survival Blueprint provides a status review (information on the distribution, protection status, habitat & ecology, threat and stakeholder analysis) and more information on the action programme listed here.

Vision (30-50 years)

Achieving a stable population of Galaxy Frog through the conservation of its habitat by supporting and getting support from local indigenous communities

Goal (5-10 years)

Improving the protection of Galaxy Frog and it’s habitat (all the flora and fauna) both inside and outside Protected Area network through flagship species conservation initiatives in collaboration with the Forest Department and local community

Objectives

 Priority
Study the detailed distribution range of Galaxy Frogs across the Western Ghats and validating the sub-populations using molecular taxonomic tools Critical
A detailed study on the Galaxy Frogs microhabitat, breeding behaviour, and communication Critical
A detailed study on the local ecological knowledge and mapping local indigenous community Critical
Understanding the major means of revenue generated by local communities and its impact on the Galaxy Frog and its habitat Critical
Study the major threats faced by the Galaxy Frog and its habitat Critical
Prepare threat specific control measures to protect the Galaxy Frog and its habitat Critical
Monitoring the population size and status of Galaxy Frog in each sub-populations Critical
Submit a proposal to schedule the Galaxy Frog under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 High
Preparing a more specific IUCN assessment and submitting it to the concerned authorities High
Forming the Guardians of Galaxy Frog group and give capacity building training Medium
Download the full Survival Blueprint

Rajkumar K P

  • Project name: Status, distribution, ecology of the Galaxy Frog in the Western Ghats
  • Project site: Kerala, India
  • Active: 2019 - 2022
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