White Spotted Bush Frog (Raorchestes chalazodes)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 14258557

Reproductive ecology and conservation of critically endangered White spotted bush frog and allied bamboo nesting frogs in Western Ghats, India

Overall, this project aims to mitigate threats from bamboo overharvesting by surveying the Southern Western Ghats for frogs (R. chalazodes, R. ochlandrae) and squirrel (F. sublineatus). This will help to identify Key Areas for Conservation using ecological niche modeling techniques. This objective is in alignment with IUCN-SSC, Amphibian Conservation Action Plan. Further, surveys documenting density, distribution and habitat usage of target species between protected areas without bamboo harvest and unprotected areas with excessive harvest will shed light on the effect of bamboo overharvesting. The reproductive ecology of frogs breeding inside bamboo will be revealed for the first time using probe cameras to view inside bamboo internodes and document its activity. Knowledge on breeding activity, mate selection, number of eggs, duration of development, and other observations will be vital for conservation mitigation. By involving forest managers and harvesting agencies during the study, we aim to build capacity in identifying habitats most suitable for R. chalazodes and R. ochlandrae and avoid them for bamboo harvesting. This management intervention among many others is pivotal for long term survival of target species and its habitat. Publications in peer reviewed journals and popular articles detailing distribution, habitat selection, and reproductive ecology will shorten knowledge gap.