It is common to think that all frog species live above ground, jumping around lily pads and riverbanks. Yet, burrowing frogs are more prevalent than one might believe. Known as fossorial species, frogs that have adapted to life underground are among the most intriguing amphibians out there.
One such species that stands out is the elusive and unique Indian purple frog. Scientists only recently uncovered this rare frog emerging from its underground abode. Learn all about the fascinating Indian purple frog and why it chooses to spend a significant part of its life beneath the earth.
“A Once in a Century Discovery”: Introducing the Indian Purple Frog
Scientifically known as Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis, the Indian purple frog was not discovered until 2003. Despite locals having knowledge of this peculiar frog long before the early 2000s (its tadpoles were first identified in the 1900s), it remains a mysterious creature. Also called the pignosed frog and the Mahabali frog, this amphibian spends a surprising amount of time beneath the ground.
While fossorial frogs are not uncommon, with several named species found worldwide, such as the giant burrowing frog in Australia and various shovelnose frogs in Africa, the Indian purple frog is one of just two frogs in the Nasikabatrachus genus. Both of these frogs burrow and are significantly impacted by the monsoon seasons in their region.
Unique Features of the Purple Frog
The Indian purple frog boasts distinctive features suited for life underground. It differs from typical frogs for good reason.
This species rarely exceeds seven centimeters in length, with females being notably larger than males. Sporting a small head and a pointed snout ideal for extracting insects from the soil, the purple frog’s body appears bloated. However, it can flatten against river rocks and cling in swift currents when necessary.
With front limbs larger than its hind ones, the purple frog lacks the leaping ability common in other frog species. Instead, its robust, spatula-shaped front feet are specialized for digging and burrowing. The frog’s palm surfaces are tougher and more resilient than its hind legs, allowing it to easily move small rocks and debris during excavation.
Endemic to India: Habitat of the Purple Frog
The Indian purple frog is exclusive to India.
Initially thought to inhabit only a limited area of the Western Ghats Mountains in India, further research has revealed the Indian purple frog’s presence in the Camel Hump Mountains and Cardamom Hill. Approximately 130 breeding sites for this frog exist, half of which are within protected forest areas.
The purple frog thrives in a habitat composed of various forest types, including wet evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, as well as plantations. It is a vital species in these ecosystems, contributing to the region’s biodiversity and ecological balance.
Nestled in densely packed and moist soil near bodies of water, such as ponds or streams, the purple frog is a master of living underground, evading both predators and scientists. This amphibian completes its transformation from tadpole to adult in the subterranean realm, embracing its elusive lifestyle from an early age.
Known as “Welcome Home: the Purple Frog’s Underground Lifestyle,” this creature only emerges from its hidden abode during monsoon season. It remains a mystery why the purple frog chooses to live underground, but it has adapted remarkably well to this environment, spending most of its life beneath the damp soil. The brief emergence during India’s monsoon season is crucial for breeding, with females laying eggs in nearby bodies of water.
Breeding times for purple frogs vary depending on the monsoon season, which can occur from April to August or October to December. Despite the timing differences, both species of purple frogs in India reunite during these two weeks to breed and sustain their endangered population. These unique creatures make their mating calls just below the ground, relying on scent and vibrations due to their lack of a tympanic middle ear.
Feeding primarily on insects like termites that they uncover in their underground dwellings, purple frogs possess a keen sense of smell and a distinctive physique. With their narrow snouts for digging and earless nature, these creatures have adapted to thrive underground. Despite facing threats such as habitat loss and pollution, conservation efforts have helped the purple frog population show signs of recovery.
As a rare and remarkable species, the Indian purple frog embodies the resilience and complexity of nature, surviving through millions of years of evolution. This underground dweller serves as a testament to the extraordinary diversity found in the natural world, even if encounters with this elusive frog are scarce.
First on A-Z Animals.
