A critically endangered species of frog, known for its stunning star-like markings, is feared to have been killed after its habitat was reportedly destroyed by nature photographers seeking the perfect shot.
The Disappearance of a Living Galaxy
The tiny Melanobatrachus indicus, nicknamed the 'galaxy frog', is the only species in its family. No bigger than 3cm, it lives under logs in the rainforests of Kerala in southern India's Western Ghats. In 2020, zoological researcher Rajkumar K P discovered seven of these rare amphibians. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he was unable to return to monitor them.
When he finally revisited the site, a distressing scene awaited him. The frogs had vanished. The large, beautiful fallen log that served as their home was completely broken and misplaced, according to his report to the Zoological Society of London. The surrounding vegetation was trampled, and no trace of the galaxy frogs remained.
Irresponsible Actions Behind the Loss
Rajkumar initially suspected mongooses, but his trackers revealed a different story. Several nature photographers had been seen visiting the spot. In their quest to find and photograph the elusive species, they had been turning over logs, systematically destroying the fragile micro-habitats.
Worse still, when they located the frogs, they handled the extremely delicate creatures without wearing gloves to take pictures. Rajkumar was told that at least two frogs died after being picked up by the photographers. After months of further searching, he has been unable to find any living galaxy frogs in that location.
A Broader Conflict in Conservation
Rajkumar condemned the interference, highlighting a systemic issue. He explained that while forest department officers try to prevent such groups, photographers often use connections with higher officials, politicians, or judges to gain access. He expressed his deep personal connection to the species, describing the magical moment of seeing their galaxy-like spots under light.
Speaking on the dual role of photography, he noted: "Done correctly, photography can be a huge asset to helping conservationists... However, irresponsible photography can turn this asset into a hazard."
The galaxy frog's habitats are already threatened by agricultural expansion and tourism. Designated as the flagship species for Mathikettan Shola National Park, they are the focus of 10-15 year management plans aimed at habitat protection. This incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement and ethical guidelines for wildlife tourism and photography to prevent further tragedies.
