Rana malabarica

The fungoid frog or Malabar Hills frog (Hydrophylax malabaricus) is a colourful frog found on the forest floor and lower vegetation in the Western Ghats in south-western India from Bombay to Kerala. It is very similar to another species with which it overlaps partly in range, Hydrophylax bahuvistara which extends further into parts of central India. Although restricted in range within peninsular India, they are of least conservation concern. Their upper parts vary in colour from brownish-red to bright crimson.

DESCRIPTION

• Vomerine teeth are arranged in two oval oblique groups located between the choanae.

• The head is moderately sized and depressed, with a snout that is hardly as long as the diameter of the orbit.

• The snout is subacuminate and moderately prominent.

• The loreal region is concave, and the nostril is closer to the end of the snout than to the eye.

• The interorbital space is rather narrower than the upper eyelid, and the tympanum is very distinct, nearly as large as the eye.

• The fingers are of moderate length, with the first finger extending beyond the second.

• The toes are rather short and half-webbed, with swollen tips on both fingers and toes.

• The subarticular tubercles are very strong, and there is an oval, blunt inner metatarsal tubercle. Additionally, a large rounded tubercle is found at the base of the fourth toe, and there is no tarsal fold. The tibio-tarsal articulation reaches either the tympanum or the eye.

• The skin on the upper part of the body is finely granulated, featuring a broad but not very prominent glandular lateral fold. There is also a strong glandular fold extending from below the eye to the shoulder, sometimes followed by one or two glandules.

• In terms of coloration, the head and body appear bright crimson on the upper side, with blackish-brown sides. The back may occasionally have a few small black spots.

• The upper lip and a series of spots on the flank are white.

•  The limbs are blackish-brown on top, with spots and marbling in pale brown and white.

• The underside is uniformly white, although it may sometimes feature brown and white marbling.

REPRODUCTION

• The breeding season for Rana malabarica typically occurs during the monsoon season, which in the Western Ghats of India is from June to September. The onset of rains triggers their breeding activities.

• Male Malabar frogs congregate near suitable breeding sites, which include small streams, puddles, and slow-flowing water bodies.

• Males produce a series of distinct advertisement calls to attract females. These calls are usually melodious and help females locate potential mates.

• Once a female arrives at the breeding site, she selects a male based on his calls, and amplexus (mating embrace) occurs. The male grasps the female around her waist, and they assume a mating position.

• Females of Rana malabarica lay eggs in water. They typically attach clusters of eggs to submerged vegetation or debris to protect them from predators and water currents.

• These egg masses can contain a few hundred to several thousand eggs, depending on the size and age of the female.

• The eggs hatch into tadpoles within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on water temperature and environmental conditions.

• Tadpoles are fully aquatic, equipped with gills for underwater respiration. They feed on algae, detritus, and small aquatic invertebrates.

• As tadpoles grow, they undergo metamorphosis. This process involves the development of limbs, the loss of gills, and the transformation into juvenile frogs.

• The duration of metamorphosis can vary based on environmental factors.

• Terrestrial Stage:

• Once metamorphosis is complete, juvenile Malabar frogs leave the water and transition to a terrestrial life.

• They have fully developed lungs for breathing air and begin their life as land-dwelling frogs.

• It's important to note that the specific details of Rana malabarica's reproductive behavior and timing can vary based on local environmental conditions, including temperature, rainfall patterns, and the availability of breeding sites within their range.

HABITAT

Rana malabarica, or the Malabar frog, is primarily found in the Western Ghats of India. This species thrives in lush tropical rainforests, often near slow-moving streams and ponds.