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Malabar Gliding Frog

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description Malabar Gliding Frog Overview

Rhacophorus malabaricus, commonly known as the Malabar gliding frog, is a large arboreal amphibian endemic to the Western Ghats of India. It is distinguished by the extensive webbing between its toes, which allows it to parachute or glide between trees to escape predators. Males are typically smaller than females, and the species breeds during the monsoon season, creating foam nests over bodies of water. It is currently classified as a vulnerable species due to ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation.

help Malabar Gliding Frog FAQ

How does the Malabar Gliding Frog glide through the air?

The Malabar Gliding Frog uses its extensively webbed toes to parachute or glide between trees in its forest canopy habitat. When spreading its limbs, the webbing acts like small parachutes, allowing it to slow its descent significantly.

Where is the natural habitat of the Malabar Gliding Frog located?

This specific tree frog species is endemic to the Western Ghats of India. It thrives in the tropical moist forests of this mountain range along the western coast of the Indian subcontinent.

What is the conservation status of the Malabar Gliding Frog?

The species is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Its population is threatened primarily by habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion in the Western Ghats.

What does the Malabar Gliding Frog eat?

Like most tree frogs, the Malabar Gliding Frog is an insectivore that hunts by ambushing its prey. It relies on its sticky tongue to catch a variety of insects and other small forest invertebrates.

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