Goa’s monsoon marvel: The Malabar gliding frog

Samrudhdi Kerkar

TREETOP JEWEL

The Malabar gliding frog (Rhacophorus malabaricus) is a tree frog endemic to the Western Ghats of India.

Goa | Malabar Gliding Frog | Western Ghats | Wildlife | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

FLIGHT WITHOUT WINGS

Their most striking feature — webbed feet, allows them to leap from treetops, and glide through the air for 9–12 metres, nearly 115 times their body length.

Webbed feet | Malabar Gliding Frog | Tree frog | Endemic Wildlife | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

TREE DANCERS

They are skilled climbers and can easily walk on twigs and tree trunks.

Malabar Gliding Frog | Tree frog | Western Ghats | Wildlife | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

FOAMY ARCHITECT

They are best known for their unique foam nests, often seen on leaves that hang above water bodies.

Foam | Nest | Western ghats | Malabar Gliding | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

MONSOON SERENADE

Reproduction usually occurs during the monsoon months (June–September), when the male clasps the female.

Mating | Malabar Gliding Frog | Western Ghats | Endemic species | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

FROTHY CRADLES

Males are smaller than females and help whip up the protective foam in which the female lays her eggs.

Reproduction | Malabar Gliding Frog | Protective Froth | Wildlife | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

LEAP OF LIFE

After hatching, the tiny tadpoles drop into the water below and begin their journey of transforming into fascinating frogs.

Tadpoles | Eggs | Malabar Gliding Frog | Western Ghats | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

LURKING DANGER

One must observe them carefully as Malabar pit vipers often lurk nearby, lying in wait to ambush their favourite prey.

Malabar Pit Viper | Snake | Predator | Wildlife | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

CAMOUFLAGING CLOAK

These frogs are also masters of disguise, with their green bodies blending seamlessly into leafy surroundings, thus helping them to stay hidden from predators.

Camouflage | Malabar Gliding Frog | Endemic species | Frog | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

FRAGILE BEGINNINGS

Not all eggs survive. Sometimes, due to dry weather or changes in climate, the foam nests dry up, destroying the developing embryos within.

Dried Foam Nest | Embryos | Malabar Gliding Frog | Wildlife | Photo: Samrudhdi Kerkar

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