The Malabar Tree Toad (MTT) is a unique arboreal amphibian native to the Western Ghats of India. Unlike other toads that dwell on the ground, the MTT thrives in trees, showcasing its distinctive climbing ability. It is the sole species within the Pedostibes genus, making it particularly special.
The MTT plays a crucial role in the Western Ghats ecosystem, a recognized global biodiversity hotspot. This species assists in regulating insect populations and helps maintain ecological stability. Its sensitivity to environmental fluctuations also makes it a valuable bioindicator for assessing ecosystem health.
Research indicates that MTT populations could see a decline of up to 68.7% between 2061 and 2080 if high emissions scenarios persist. In contrast, under low emissions conditions, the species may experience a distribution increase by 111.3% in protected areas.
Climate change significantly affects the MTT by altering essential factors such as precipitation patterns, temperature, and moisture levels. These changes, particularly increased droughts and irregular rainfall, can lead to habitat reduction and impact the toad's breeding success.
The northern populations of the MTT, particularly in areas like the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, face the highest habitat loss. Conversely, southern populations, such as those in Kudremukh National Park, may find some habitat expansion.
Human activities, including agriculture and deforestation, contribute to habitat fragmentation, which disrupts the MTT's breeding and living environments. This fragmentation, combined with climate shifts, limits the availability of suitable microhabitats, jeopardizing the species' ability to thrive.
For MTTs, breeding is reliant on monsoon-generated water pools found along stream edges. Sufficient rainfall is crucial for their survival, and any climate-induced alterations in rainfall patterns can directly affect their breeding success.
This study leveraged 655 observations of the MTT from citizen science platforms, alongside existing scientific literature. These contributions were vital in modeling the distribution and future habitat predictions for the MTT across the Western Ghats.
The MTT's plight reflects the broader challenges faced by amphibians in the Western Ghats. This region is home to 252 amphibian species, with 17 classified as critically endangered. Climate change and habitat destruction pose significant threats to these species, underscoring the urgency for conservation initiatives.
The study urges for comprehensive surveys of MTT habitats, within and outside protected areas, to ensure the species' survival. It also advocates for habitat preservation and management to accommodate shifts in species distribution due to climate change. An initiative has been proposed to designate the MTT as the state amphibian of Karnataka, enhancing conservation awareness.
The Malabar Tree Toad, an arboreal species endemic to the Western Ghats, faces a potential population decline of 68.7% due to climate change. Factors such as habitat fragmentation, precipitation changes, and temperature variations threaten its survival. However, citizen science initiatives and conservation efforts provide hope for protecting this unique species. Immediate actions, including habitat protection and climate change mitigation, are essential for the long-term survival of the MTT.
Q1. What is the Malabar Tree Toad?
Answer: The Malabar Tree Toad is an arboreal amphibian native to India's Western Ghats, known for its unique climbing ability and ecological significance.
Q2. Why is the Malabar Tree Toad considered a bioindicator?
Answer: The MTT is sensitive to environmental changes, making it a valuable bioindicator for assessing the health of its ecosystem, particularly in the Western Ghats.
Q3. How does climate change affect the Malabar Tree Toad?
Answer: Climate change impacts precipitation and temperature, critical for the MTT's breeding and survival, potentially leading to habitat loss and reduced populations.
Q4. What conservation efforts are recommended for the MTT?
Answer: Recommended efforts include habitat surveys, preservation strategies, and public awareness initiatives, such as declaring it the state amphibian of Karnataka.
Q5. What threats do amphibians in the Western Ghats face?
Answer: Amphibians in the Western Ghats face threats from climate change, habitat loss, and human activities, necessitating urgent conservation measures.
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