The purple frog, also known as Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis, is a unique and fascinating species of frog that is found only in a small region of the Western Ghats mountain range in India. This elusive amphibian is known for its distinctive appearance and unusual lifestyle, and has become a subject of fascination for scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.
| Characteristics | Description |
| Name | Purple frog |
| Scientific Name | Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis |
| Colour | Dark purple or brownish-black |
| Habitat | Moist forests and grasslands of the Western Ghats |
| Indian states where it’s found | Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka |
| IUCN status | Near Threatened. |
Features
The purple frog is a relatively large amphibian, with males growing up to 7 cm in length and females up to 11 cm. Its most distinctive feature is its bulbous body shape, which resembles that of a potato or a tadpole. The frog has a dark purple or brownish-black coloration, which helps it blend in with the soil and leaf litter in its natural habitat. The frog’s eyes are small and beady, and it has a pointed snout that it uses to burrow through the soil.
Habitat and food
The purple frog is primarily a burrowing species, and spends most of its time underground. It is typically found in the moist forests and grasslands of the Western Ghats, where it burrows through the soil and leaf litter in search of food. The purple frog is a predator, and feeds primarily on earthworms and other small invertebrates that it finds in the soil.
Where is it found in India
The purple frog is found only in a small region of the Western Ghats mountain range in India, primarily in the state of Kerala. It is also known to occur in the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, but its range is extremely limited.
Importance to ecosystem
The purple frog is an important species in the Western Ghats ecosystem. As a burrowing species, it helps to aerate the soil and improve soil fertility. Additionally, the frog’s presence and unique adaptations make it an important subject for scientific research, and studying its physiology and behavior could help us better understand the evolution of amphibians and other burrowing species.
IUCN status
The purple frog is currently listed as a species which is “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, like many species in the Western Ghats ecosystem, the purple frog is threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and agriculture. Additionally, the use of pesticides and other chemicals in agriculture may also pose a threat to the frog’s survival in the future.
In conclusion, the purple frog is a fascinating and unique species that is found only in a small region of the Western Ghats in India. Its distinctive appearance, burrowing lifestyle, and important role in the ecosystem make it an important subject for scientific research and a symbol of the biodiversity of the region. While the purple frog is not currently threatened, efforts to protect its habitat and promote sustainable land use practices are crucial to ensuring its survival for future generations.
