Principal Investigator: Arun Kanagavel

The Kerala Indian frog (Indirana phrynoderma) is a rare, endemic, ground-dwelling species, which belongs to the evolutionarily distinct family of Ranixalidae. Recorded only from Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary (IGWLS) and the adjoining reserve forests of Valparai, this species is Critically Endangered, due to its point endemism and ongoing threats including habitat destruction. As such, this species has not been studied in detail for its ecology, population abundance and potential for captive breeding. This project aims to generate baseline information on the species and explore opportunities for habitat conservation and in situ conservation breeding with local communities. Field transects will be conducted within randomised grids to estimate population, threats and habitat requirements of the species. On identifying a local site favourable in terms of field logistics and species abundance, research will be focussed towards investigating the life history and potential for conservation breeding. Preliminary strategies for implementing conservation action for this Indian Alliance for Zero Extinction (InAZE) species will be formulated towards the latter half of the project.

This project aims to develop a species-based conservation strategy for the Critically Endangered Kerala Indian Frog in the Western Ghats through an assessment of status, habitat requirements, life history, threats and exploring the potential for conservation breeding and habitat conservation with the assistance of local communities.