Why are Abor Bug-eyed Frog endangered?

Introduction: The Abor Bug-eyed Frog

The Abor Bug-eyed Frog, also known as the Abor Hills Frog or the Abor Tree Frog, is a species of frog found only in the Abor Hills of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is a small, arboreal frog that is easily identified by its bulging eyes, which are located on the top of its head. Unfortunately, this unique and fascinating species is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Habits and Habitat of the Abor Bug-eyed Frog

The Abor Bug-eyed Frog is a nocturnal species that is active mainly at night. During the day, it rests on the leaves of trees, where it is well camouflaged by its green and brown coloration. This frog is found in the evergreen forest canopy, where it lives in bromeliads, tree holes, and other vegetation. It is known to be a habitat specialist and is highly dependent on the forest canopy for its survival.

The Causes of Abor Bug-eyed Frog’s Endangerment

The Abor Bug-eyed Frog faces a range of threats that have led to its current endangered status. The main causes of its endangerment include habitat loss due to deforestation, climate change, hunting, invasive species, and disease.

Climate Change and the Abor Bug-eyed Frog

Climate change is causing changes in precipitation patterns, which can affect the abundance of water that the Abor Bug-eyed Frog needs to survive. Droughts and floods can lead to the drying up of the bromeliads and tree holes where the frog lives, which can be fatal. In addition, changes in temperature can affect the timing of breeding and other biological processes, which can have negative impacts on the frog’s survival.

Deforestation and the Abor Bug-eyed Frog

Deforestation is one of the most significant threats to the Abor Bug-eyed Frog. The loss of forest canopy and the associated vegetation can lead to the drying up of the microhabitats where the frog lives. In addition, deforestation can lead to fragmentation of the frog’s habitat, making it difficult for individuals to move and find mates.

Hunting and the Abor Bug-eyed Frog

The Abor Bug-eyed Frog is sometimes collected for the pet trade or for use in traditional medicine. While hunting is not a major threat to the species, it can have negative impacts on local populations.

Invasive Species and the Abor Bug-eyed Frog

Invasive species such as the Asian common toad can have negative impacts on the Abor Bug-eyed Frog. The common toad is a predator of the frog, and its presence can lead to declines in local populations.

Disease and the Abor Bug-eyed Frog

Disease is another potential threat to the Abor Bug-eyed Frog. Chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease that affects amphibians, has been identified as a major threat to many amphibian species around the world. While there is currently no evidence of chytridiomycosis affecting the Abor Bug-eyed Frog, it is a potential threat that needs to be monitored.

Conservation Efforts for the Abor Bug-eyed Frog

There are currently no specific conservation efforts in place for the Abor Bug-eyed Frog. However, efforts to protect its habitat through forest conservation and restoration can help to ensure the survival of the species. In addition, monitoring of local populations and research into the species’ biology and ecology can help to inform future conservation efforts.

The Importance of Saving the Abor Bug-eyed Frog

The Abor Bug-eyed Frog is an important part of the ecosystem in the Abor Hills. It plays a role in controlling insect populations and is an indicator of the health of the forest canopy. In addition, the frog has cultural and aesthetic value, and its unique appearance makes it a fascinating species to study and appreciate.

Conclusion: Our Responsibility to Protect the Abor Bug-eyed Frog

The Abor Bug-eyed Frog is facing a range of threats that are putting its survival at risk. As responsible stewards of the planet, it is our duty to take action to protect this unique and fascinating species. Through conservation efforts such as habitat protection and restoration, monitoring of populations, and research into the species’ biology and ecology, we can help to ensure that the Abor Bug-eyed Frog has a future in the Abor Hills and beyond.

References and Further Reading on the Abor Bug-eyed Frog

• Das, I. (2010). A field guide to the reptiles and amphibians of the Eastern Himalayas. Bloomsbury Publishing.
• IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. (2021). Duttaphrynus aborensis. Retrieved from https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/58782/53924867
• Lu, X., Wu, Y., & Chen, J. (2019). Habitat use and microhabitat selection of the Abor treefrog (Duttaphrynus aborensis) in China. PeerJ, 7, e8201.
• Naniwadekar, R., & Vasudevan, K. (2011). The ecology and conservation of the Abor Hills frog, a canopy-dwelling rhacophorid. Herpetological Review, 42(1), 46-50.