DISCOVERY, PARENTAL CARE, AND CONSERVATION OF FROGS IN THE WESTERN GHATS OF INDIA

Abstract

A third of all amphibians are threatened globally and yet, several knowledge gaps exist. The Western Ghats of India is a global biodiversity hotspot where amphibians are underrepresented in research. Findings reported here contribute to advancing our knowledge about amphibians in aspects of Taxonomy, Systematics, Reproductive Ecology and Conservation. I discovered two new species of frogs and subsequently, re-described another. I also present a case to resolve a taxonomic problem of the White Spotted Bush Frog (Raorchestes chalazodes), which was presumed extinct and was rediscovered in 2011. Ecological studies on this species led to discovery of a novel reproductive mode wherein, adults enter bamboo stalks via narrow openings and lay direct developing eggs and provide parental care. I then established the evolutionary significance of parental care behavior in R. aff chalazodes by conducting in-situ adult removal experiments. Evidence suggests male parental care behavior increases offspring survivorship as it prevents egg predation. With an ultimate goal of conserving R. aff chalazodes and bamboo habitats, I mapped their geographic distribution using species distribution modeling. Finally, I synthesize my contributions in the context of existing knowledge about diversity and reproductive ecology of amphibians and identify avenues for further research.