The Bombay night frog (Nyctibatrachus humayuni) is a unique and fascinating species of frog that is endemic to the Western Ghats of India. It is a nocturnal amphibian that spends most of its time in burrows and under rocks during the day. The species was discovered in 2011 and was named after the late Professor Humayun Ahmed of the University of Dhaka, who was a renowned amphibian researcher.
| Characteristics | Description |
| Name | Bombay night frog |
| Scientific Name | Nyctibatrachus humayuni |
| Colour | Dark brown or black with white spots |
| Habitat | Tropical evergreen forests, forest streams, and adjacent areas |
| Indian states where its found | Western Ghats in Maharashtra and Goa |
| IUCN status | Endangered |
Features
The Bombay night frog is a small frog, measuring about 2.5 to 3 centimeters in length. It has a distinctive flattened head and a wide body, with a dull brown coloration that helps it blend in with the leaf litter on the forest floor. The species gets its name from its nocturnal habits, with large eyes that are adapted to low light conditions. It also has a unique feature in that it can inflate its body to appear larger when threatened.
Habitat and food
The Bombay night frog is found in the moist evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, where it spends most of its time on the forest floor. It is a semi-aquatic species that breeds in temporary streams and small pools of water. The species feeds on a variety of invertebrates, including insects, spiders, and worms.
Where is it found in India
The Bombay night frog is found exclusively in the Western Ghats of India, in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka. It is known to occur in the Amboli and Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuaries, as well as the Anshi National Park.
Importance to ecosystem
The Bombay night frog plays an important role in the ecosystem as a predator of invertebrates, helping to regulate their populations. It is also an indicator species of the health of the forest ecosystem, as it is highly sensitive to changes in water quality and habitat degradation.
IUCN status
The Bombay night frog is classified as “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), due to its small geographic range and habitat loss. Its habitat is under threat from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the species and its habitat, including the establishment of protected areas and habitat restoration programs.
