Stories
7 Galaxy Frogs Vanish from Kerala Forest: Human Disturbance Blamed for Starry Amphibian Disappearance
M
Moneycontrol•29-09-2026, 18:43
7 Galaxy Frogs Vanish from Kerala Forest: Human Disturbance Blamed for Starry Amphibian Disappearance
- •Seven rare Galaxy Frogs disappeared from a Kerala forest site in the Western Ghats after being discovered in March 2020.
- •Follow-up surveys between August 2021 and May 2022 found no trace of the frogs, only overturned logs and trampled vegetation.
- •Researchers suspect human disturbance, possibly from wildlife photography groups, damaged their fragile habitat.
- •The Galaxy Frog, named for its star-like speckles, is a tiny amphibian listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
- •The incident highlights the risks of disturbing wildlife and the need for responsible photography to protect sensitive habitats.
Key Questions Answered
Researchers found seven rare galaxy frogs beneath fallen logs in March 2020, but follow-up surveys between August 2021 and May 2022 found no trace of them. The frogs are presumed dead after human disturbances damaged their habitat.
The galaxy frog earns its starry name from its dark skin, which features pale blue and white speckles that resemble stars scattered across a night sky.
Scientists suspect that human disturbance, particularly wildlife photography groups visiting the area, caused the disappearance by overturning logs and trampling vegetation. This environmental damage destroyed the frogs' delicate shelters.
