Context:
A recent scientific study has reported that seven individuals of one of the world’s rarest frog species—the galaxy frog (Melanobatrachus indicus)—have disappeared from their known location in the Western Ghats in Kerala and are now presumed dead. The study attributes this disappearance primarily to the unregulated rise in photo tourism, wherein wildlife photographers disturbed and degraded the fragile microhabitat of these tiny amphibians.
Study Findings:
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- A research paper titled “Unethical wildlife photography imperils the Western Ghats endemic galaxy frog…”, published in Herpetology Notes, documents that seven galaxy frogs observed in 2020 were not found during follow-up surveys conducted between 2021 and 2022.
- The study observed that photographers often handled frogs with bare hands, repositioned them for better photographic backgrounds, and exposed them to intense camera flashes for prolonged periods. Such practices can lead to dehydration, physiological stress, and the transmission of diseases in amphibians.
- A research paper titled “Unethical wildlife photography imperils the Western Ghats endemic galaxy frog…”, published in Herpetology Notes, documents that seven galaxy frogs observed in 2020 were not found during follow-up surveys conducted between 2021 and 2022.
About Photo Tourism:
Photo tourism is a form of travel in which photography is the primary motivation. Travellers plan their itineraries specifically to capture distinctive images, such as wildlife, landscapes, or architectural features. Unlike conventional tourism—where photography is incidental—photo tourism revolves around camera opportunities, influencing destination choice, timing, and on-site behaviour.
About the Galaxy Frog:
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- The galaxy frog is an extremely rare and diminutive amphibian, measuring about 2–3.5 cm in length, and is endemic to the wet evergreen forests of the southern Western Ghats.
- It is named for its striking appearance—dark skin dotted with pale blue and orange speckles resembling a star-studded night sky.
- The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is evolutionarily distinct, being the sole member of its genus.
- The galaxy frog is an extremely rare and diminutive amphibian, measuring about 2–3.5 cm in length, and is endemic to the wet evergreen forests of the southern Western Ghats.
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Why Photo Tourism Became a Threat:
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- The galaxy frog was declared a flagship species of Mathikettan Shola National Park in 2021, which increased interest among wildlife photographers.
- While wildlife photography can enhance conservation awareness, unregulated and unethical practices can severely damage fragile habitats.
- Amphibians require stable moisture and temperature conditions to survive.
- Even minor disturbances—such as overturning logs or leaf litter—can disrupt feeding and breeding cycles, rendering habitats unsuitable.
- The galaxy frog was declared a flagship species of Mathikettan Shola National Park in 2021, which increased interest among wildlife photographers.
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Ecological and Conservation Implications:
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- Frogs serve as important indicator species, as their sensitivity reflects the overall health of ecosystems.
- Declines in frog populations often signal broader environmental degradation.
- The disappearance of seven individuals demonstrates that poorly regulated photo tourism can directly threaten highly vulnerable species.
- Frogs serve as important indicator species, as their sensitivity reflects the overall health of ecosystems.
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Conclusion:
The presumed loss of these seven rare galaxy frogs highlights a counterintuitive conservation risk: activities intended to promote awareness—such as wildlife photography tourism—can inadvertently accelerate species decline if not governed by strong ethical norms and effective regulation. This episode serves as a cautionary example for sustainable tourism and biodiversity protection in ecologically fragile regions like the Western Ghats.
