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.

UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now