Making of check dams on streams and removal of boulders may wipe out the local population of Adi cascade frogs (Amolops adicola), a recently discovered species in Arunachal Pradesh, scientists claimed.
About Adi cascade
- The species was discovered while revisiting a century-old Adi expedition in 2018 and named after the land of the Adi tribe where the frogs dwell, particularly post-monsoon.
- The call of the frog is quite unique with continuous notes almost like a cricket.
- They are delivered at very short intervals, not long call groups — giving an impression of being continuous: A typical call lasts 485.2 milliseconds.
- The species is predominantly found in open riverine landscapes and human-inhabited rural areas.
- Males were mostly observed on tree saplings, fern fronds, and banana plants in and around the cultivated land.
- Locally known as Juri (stream) Tatik (frog) — is considered a local delicacy.
What are Cascade Frogs?
- The nomenclature ‘cascade frogs’ draws on their preference for small waterfalls.
- Cascade frogs, in general, depend on the flow of water.
- Both adults and tadpoles of Adi cascade frogs, the species in question, are particularly adapted to fast flowing sections of stream.
Rich biodiversity of Arunachal
- Arunachal, a biodiversity hotspot, is home to many endemics, endangered and threatened species as well as to indigenous people who depend on its biological resources.
- The Forest Survey of India in 2019 estimated that Arunachal had 66,688 sq km of forests — 79.6 per cent of the state’s area.
- Global Forest Watch, however, estimated the forests cover at 74 per cent of its total land area.
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