Description

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Context:

Ecologists studied the amphibians living on rock outcrops in the northern Western Ghats to determine how they respond to different agricultural practices.

Details:

Agroforestry practices may be harmful to some species of endemic frogs while a few are less affected by modified habitats, according to a new study by researchers from the Mysuru-based Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF-India) and the Bombay Environmental Action Group (BEAG).

About the Nilphamari narrow:

Microhyla nilphamariensis is a species of narrow-mouthed frog, characterized by a small size, narrow triangular mouth, and reduced webbing between toes. It has a light brown dorsal coloration with a dark brown diamond-shaped marking. The throat and chest are brown, the belly is dull white and the limbs have dark cross bars. It is not listed by either IUCN or CITES.

Found in: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and northern Pakistan.

Habitat: A nocturnal species, it is active when raining and prefers moist environments. Specimens have been observed in a grassy field near ephemeral pools of water.

Key facts about Frog:

A frog is any member of a diverse and largely carnivorous group of short-bodied, tailless amphibians composing the order Anura. Frogs are characterized by their ability to live in both terrestrial and aquatic environments, making them an integral part of the class Amphibia. The oldest fossil "proto-frog" Triadobatrachus is known from the Early Triassic of Madagascar. Frogs have excellent night vision and are very sensitive to movement.

Habitat	Found in terrestrial, arboreal, and aquatic ecosystems. They require moist conditions for survival and reproduction.
Characteristics	Smooth and moist skin for cutaneous respiration. Strong hind legs for jumping. Bulging eyes and external eardrums.
Reproduction	Lay eggs in water. They undergo metamorphosis from tadpole (aquatic) to adult (semi-aquatic or terrestrial).
Role in Ecosystem	Act as bioindicators of environmental health. Control insect populations. Serve as prey for higher trophic levels.
Economic Importance	Pest control in agriculture. Used in scientific research including genetics and toxicology. Harvested for food in some cultures.
Threats	Habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization. Climate change and pollution. Chytridiomycosis (fungal infection).
Conservation Efforts	Listed in CITES Appendices for protection. Conservation breeding programs. Protected under wildlife laws in various countries.
Significance in the Indian Context	Found in diverse habitats across India, including the Western Ghats and Himalayan regions. *Indian bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus) is common*.
Interesting Facts	Frogs can breathe through their skin. Some species secrete toxins as a defense mechanism.

What is Agroforestry?

Agroforestry is a land management system that combines trees with crops, livestock, or both, on the same piece of land. It focuses on increasing benefits to the landowner as well as maintaining forest integrity and environmental health. It has been practiced for centuries around the world, including in the United States.

Source:

THE HINDU

NATURALIST

AMNH