Rare Myristica Swamp Treefrog found in Vazhachal forest

Myristica Swamp Treefrog, a rare arboreal species endemic to the Western Ghats that bears the scientific name Mercurana myristicapalustris, has been recorded for the first time north of the Shencottah gap in Vazhachal Reserve Forest in Thrissur.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2020

Key-Points

It’s scientific name is Mercurana myristicapalustris.

These frogs are rare and elusive for the reason that they are arboreal and active only for a few weeks during their breeding season.

During this season, there is a large aggregation of males that descend from the high canopy of the trees. The males vocalise in groups from the low perches in the swamps.

They exhibit unique breeding behaviour. The breeding season, unlike for other frogs, starts in the pre-monsoon season (May) and ends before the monsoon becomes fully active in June.