Daily Current Affairs : 12-October-2023
India, a land teeming with biodiversity, is home to a fascinating amphibian genus – the dancing frogs. These remarkable creatures, known scientifically as Micrixalus genus, are native to the Western Ghats, a region celebrated for its rich and diverse wildlife.
Habitat Preferences: A Symphony of Green
Dancing frogs have specific habitat preferences. They thrive in areas cloaked by a dense canopy cover, often requiring 70-80 percent coverage. This unique demand reflects their reliance on the forest ecosystem’s intricate balance, showcasing their sensitivity to environmental changes.
Behaviors that Define the Dance
Intriguing Courtship: Foot Flagging Dance
One of the most captivating behaviors of these frogs is their courtship ritual. Near streams, males engage in a distinctive courtship display. During mating, they exhibit a behavior called “foot flagging.” This dance involves extending one hind leg at a time and rapidly moving their webbed toes in the air. This enchanting display serves the dual purpose of attracting potential mates and warding off competitors.
The Challenges Faced by Dancing Frogs
Acoustic Struggles: The Battle of Mating Calls
Interestingly, the foot flagging behavior is not merely a dance but a necessity. The mating calls of these frogs are often drowned out by the noisy gurgling of streams, making this intricate dance essential for their survival.
Ecological Significance: Guardians of Ecosystems
Crucial Role in the Food Chain
Frogs, including the dancing frogs, play a pivotal role in the ecosystem. They contribute significantly to the food chain, regulating insect populations and supporting various ecological processes.
The Perils They Face
Drowning in Threats
Despite their ecological significance, dancing frogs face a myriad of threats that jeopardize their existence:
- Invasive Species: The presence of invasive species like mosquito fish disrupts their natural habitat.
- Land Use Changes: Alterations in land use patterns affect their habitats, leaving them with limited space to thrive.
- Climate Variations: Variations in temperature and humidity due to climate change pose a threat, altering their natural environment.
- Extreme Weather Events: Floods and excess rainfall, consequences of climate change, disturb their habitats.
- Infectious Diseases: Vulnerability to infectious diseases further endangers their populations.
- Water and Light Pollution: Pollution, both in the form of water and light, disturb their habitats and natural behavior.
- Impact of Infrastructure Projects: Large-scale infrastructure projects encroach upon their habitats, leaving them with diminished living spaces.
A Call for Conservation
Preserving India’s Natural Heritage
The plight of dancing frogs underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts. To ensure their survival, it is imperative to address the threats they face:
- Conservation Initiatives: Implement targeted conservation programs focusing on preserving their habitats and controlling invasive species.
- Public Awareness: Raise public awareness about the importance of these unique frogs and the delicate balance of their ecosystem.
- Policy Interventions: Advocate for policies that safeguard their habitats and regulate activities contributing to their decline.
- Scientific Research: Support scientific research to understand their behavior better and develop effective conservation strategies.
Important Points:
- Endemic to the Western Ghats
- Native to the Western Ghats, India’s biodiversity hotspot.
- Habitat Preferences
- Thrive in areas with 70-80% dense canopy cover, indicating sensitivity to environmental changes.
- Distinctive Courtship Behavior
- Males engage in foot flagging, an intricate dance involving rapid movement of webbed toes, essential for mating and warding off competitors.
- Acoustic Challenges
- Foot flagging compensates for their mating calls being drowned out by noisy stream gurgles.
- Ecological Significance
- Crucial role in the food chain, regulating insect populations and supporting ecological processes.
- Threats to Their Survival
- Invasive Species: Presence of mosquito fish disrupts their habitat.
- Land Use Changes: Alterations in land use patterns affect their living spaces.
- Climate Variations: Changes in temperature and humidity due to climate change disturb their natural environment.
- Extreme Weather Events: Floods and excess rainfall disrupt their habitats.
- Infectious Diseases: Vulnerability to diseases further endangers their populations.
- Water and Light Pollution: Pollution disturbs their habitats and natural behavior.
- Impact of Infrastructure Projects: Large-scale projects encroach upon their habitats, limiting their living spaces.
- Call for Conservation
- Conservation Initiatives: Implement targeted programs to preserve their habitats and control invasive species.
- Public Awareness: Raise awareness about their importance and the delicate balance of their ecosystem.
- Policy Interventions: Advocate for policies safeguarding their habitats and regulating activities contributing to their decline.
- Scientific Research: Support research to better understand their behavior and develop effective conservation strategies.
Why In News
According to the Wildlife Trust of India, the dancing frogs are not only captivating creatures but also the most threatened amphibian genus in India. These enchanting amphibians, known for their unique courtship rituals, are facing severe endangerment due to habitat loss and climate change, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to safeguard their delicate ecosystems.
MCQs about The Enchanting World of India’s Dancing Frogs
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What is the primary purpose of the dancing frogs’ foot flagging behavior during mating?
A) To create a rhythm for their mating calls
B) To ward off predators
C) To attract potential mates and deter competitors
D) To mark their territory
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Which of the following is NOT a threat faced by dancing frogs?
A) Invasion by mosquito fish
B) Light pollution
C) Natural predators
D) Excessive availability of food
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Where are dancing frogs primarily found in India?
A) The Eastern Ghats
B) The Himalayan region
C) The Western Ghats
D) The Deccan Plateau
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