The blue-eyed frog, scientifically known as Raorchestes luteolus, is a small-sized amphibian species found in the Western Ghats of India. The species gets its name from its distinctive bright blue eyes. Despite being a colorful and fascinating species, the blue-eyed frog is relatively less studied and remains a mystery to many.
| Characteristics | Description |
| Name | Blue-eyed frog |
| Scientific Name | Raorchestes luteolus |
| Colour | Brown or reddish-brown with bright blue eyes |
| Habitat | Shola forests, montane evergreen forests, and moist grasslands in the Western Ghats |
| Indian states where it’s found | Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka |
| IUCN status | Endangered |
Features
The blue-eyed frog is a small-sized frog, measuring about 2-3 cm in length. It has a distinct coloration with shades of green, yellow, and brown. The most notable feature of this species is its striking blue-colored eyes, which are believed to be an adaptation for nocturnal hunting. The skin of the blue-eyed frog is smooth, and it has long, thin limbs with suction pads on the tips of its toes, which help it to climb trees and other vertical surfaces.
Habitat and Food
The blue-eyed frog is a terrestrial species that inhabits the forested regions of the Western Ghats. It prefers to live in moist areas such as under rocks, leaf litter, and logs. The species is also known to be arboreal and can be found on tree trunks, branches, and leaves. The blue-eyed frog feeds on a variety of insects and invertebrates, including ants, beetles, and spiders.
Where is it found in India
The blue-eyed frog is endemic to the Western Ghats of India, which is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. The species is found in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. It inhabits the evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, which are highly threatened due to deforestation and human encroachment.
Importance to ecosystem
The blue-eyed frog plays an essential role in maintaining the ecological balance of its habitat. It is a predator of insects and other small invertebrates, and its presence helps to control their populations. The species is also an indicator of the health of the forest ecosystem. The decline of the blue-eyed frog population could indicate the degradation of the habitat, which could have cascading effects on other species and the ecosystem as a whole.
IUCN status
The blue-eyed frog is listed as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The species is threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment. The evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, which are the primary habitat of the blue-eyed frog, are highly threatened due to commercial logging, agriculture, and other human activities. The species is also susceptible to the effects of climate change, which could further exacerbate its already precarious status.
In conclusion, the blue-eyed frog is a unique and fascinating species that plays an essential role in the Western Ghats ecosystem. Its striking blue eyes, along with its coloration and arboreal habits, make it a popular species among amphibian enthusiasts. However, the species is highly threatened due to habitat loss and human encroachment. Conservation efforts must be taken to protect the habitat of the blue-eyed frog and other species in the Western Ghats.
