Resplendent Shrub Frog:
A recent survey across the protected areas of the Munnar Wildlife Division found that Eravikulam National Park (ENP) near Munnar in Idukki has emerged as a thriving habitat for the endangered Resplendent Shrub Frog.
- Resplendent Shrub Frog belongs to the family Rhacophoridae.
- It is normally, cold-climate-adapted frogs move to higher elevations as temperatures rise.
- It is endemic to the high-altitude shola-grassland ecosystems of the Anamudi region in Kerala’s Eravikulam National Park.
- It is characterized by pronounced crawling behaviour. It is a ground-dwelling species.
- They are nocturnal and hide from artificial light sources.
- It undergoes direct development, without a free swimming tadpole stage.
- Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Eravikulam National Park:
- It is an important protected area located in the Western Ghats of Kerala.
- It is also surrounded by other protected areas like Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Pampadum Shola National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, and Kurinjimala Sanctuary.
- It is most famous for being the largest habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
- It is also known as the “Land of Neelakurinji”, a rare flower that blooms once every 12 years.
- It is dominated by high-altitude grasslands and rolling plateaus.
- Anamudi Peak (2695 m), which is the highest peak in South India, often called the “Everest of South India” is present here.
- It consists of three types of vegetation: Grasslands, Shrublands and Shola forests.
- The Park supports a wide range of plant diversity, including grasses, shrubs, and trees adapted to high-altitude conditions.
- Fauna: Elephants, Gaur, Sambar Deer, Leopard, Tiger, Sloth Bear, and Wild Dog.
