KFRI to map frogs with public participation during monsoon
The Hindu
KFRI to map frogs with public participation during monsoon
Frogs play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance. But there is a lack of awareness about the amphibians. The Centre for Citizen Science and Biodiversity Informatics at the KSCSTE-Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) now provides an opportunity for the public to understand about the frogs found in Kerala.
The KFRI is hosting ‘Monsoon Croaks BioBlitz’ with the aim of mapping the diverse frog species found in the State with public participation. The monsoon season is a crucial period for frogs as it marks their breeding season and peak activity.
Emphasising the importance of frogs in our ecosystems, Peroth Balakrishnan, Head of the Department of Wildlife Biology and coordinator of the Centre for Citizen Science and Biodiversity Informatics, KFRI, notes: “Frogs are excellent indicators of the health of our wetlands and ecosystems. By mapping their distribution, we can better protect their habitats and work towards conserving them.”
A BioBlitz is an intensive survey conducted over a specific time-frame to identify and record as many species as possible within a designated area. Monsoon Croaks BioBlitz specifically focusses on mapping the frogs of Kerala.
Frogs are one of the most threatened groups, facing numerous challenges due to habitat loss, climate change, pollution of water bodies, and the presence of microplastics, says Dr. Balakrishnan.
While forests are traditionally considered important habitats for frogs, many species occur in agricultural landscapes, plantations and even in our backyards. However, there is a lack of information on the presence of frog species both inside and outside of forests. The Monsoon Croaks BioBlitz aims at addressing this knowledge gap through a three-month-long community effort.
Sandeep Das, who studies endangered amphibians of the Western Ghats, says: “Habitats outside protected areas are equally important for the survival of several red-listed species, including purple frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis), Malabar torrent toad (Ghatophryne ornate) and Anamalai Gliding Frog (Rhacophorus pseudomalabaricus). The first step towards conservation of these species is to identify key habitats, and this BlioBlitz aims to accomplish just that,” he says.
The Madras High Court on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, rejected a plea by former special Director General of Police (DGP) Rajesh Das to restore the electricity service connection to a bungalow in Thaiyur near Kelambakkam in Chengalpattu district, and to restrain Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) officials from disturbing the power supply in future.
The Madras High Court on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, permitted Anna University to deposit, in three monthly instalments, an amount of ₹73.23 lakh before the Central Government Industrial Tribunal (CGIT) as a condition to hear a statutory appeal preferred by the varsity against the Coimbatore Regional Provident Fund (RPF) Commissioner’s order to pay dues to the tune of ₹2.44 crore to contract employees.