Source: TH
Context: A team from the University of Delhi’s Systematics Lab, has documented for the first time rare anti-predator defence behaviours in two Indian frog species, published in Herpetological Notes.
About Rare Defence Traits in Indian Frogs:
- The study uncovers unique behavioural adaptations in frogs, including biting, shrieking, and body-raising, to deter predators.
- These are among the first such recorded instances in Indian amphibians, expanding knowledge of their survival strategies.
- Of the 7,800+ known frog species worldwide, only around 650 exhibit such defence responses, making the Indian cases scientifically valuable.
Species and Their Behavioural Features:
- Apatani Horned Toad (Xenophrys apatani) – Arunachal Pradesh:
- A nocturnal frog with cryptic, leaf-litter camouflage that hides it during the day.
- When threatened, it inflates its body, emits a sharp distress call, and may bite predators — a first-time observation in India.
- Bicoloured Frog (Clinotarsus curtipes) – Western Ghats, Kerala:
- A diurnal forest species that arches its body by stretching limbs vertically, appearing larger and more menacing.
- This body-raising posture is believed to intimidate predators and was experimentally verified in the wild.
Implications:
- New Behavioural Records: Adds previously unknown defensive behaviours to the global amphibian database.
- Evolutionary Insight: Suggests adaptive responses evolved to suit diverse Indian ecological niches.
- Biodiversity Awareness: Reinforces how much remains undocumented in India’s rich amphibian fauna.
