Study flags threat to frogs from agroforestry

Wed Dec 04 04:29:07 UTC 2024: ## Agroforestry Threatens Endemic Frog Populations in Western Ghats

**GUWAHATI, INDIA (December 4, 2024)** – A new study reveals that the conversion of lateritic plateaus in the Western Ghats into agroforestry land is harming endemic frog populations. Researchers from the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF-India) and the Bombay Environmental Action Group (BEAG) found that amphibian diversity and abundance are significantly lower in orchards and paddy fields compared to undisturbed areas.

The research, published in *Ecological Applications*, surveyed four plateaus in Maharashtra during the 2022 monsoon season. Endemic species like the *Minervarya cepfi* and *Minervarya gomantaki* were particularly affected by habitat modification, showing lower abundance in altered areas. While some generalist species, such as *Minervarya syhadrensis*, were more prevalent in paddy fields, researchers emphasize this doesn’t indicate adaptation but rather a shift in community composition.

The study highlights the destruction of critical habitats, including rock pools vital for tadpoles and eggs during dry spells. The conversion of these historically paddy-field dominated plateaus to mango and cashew orchards through blasting is rapidly destroying the unique ecosystem.

Lead author Vijayan Jithin stresses the need for “frog-friendly” agroforestry practices, suggesting the retention and creation of water sources within orchards, alongside landowner sensitization and incentives. Dr. Aparna Watve, coordinator of the IUCN SSC Western Ghats Plant Specialist Group, underscored the importance of conserving these freshwater habitats for the well-being of all life forms. Dr. Rohit Naniwadekar emphasized the alarming rate of habitat modification and the need for collaborative conservation efforts with local communities, particularly in light of climate change.

The study, funded by On the Edge Conservation, BEAG, The Habitat Trust, and NCF-India, calls for urgent action to protect the biodiversity of these vulnerable lateritic plateaus.