Unethical Wildlife Photography Threatens Survival of Rare Galaxy Frog

In December 2025, a study warned that unethical wildlife photography has emerged as a serious threat to the galaxy frog (Melanobatrachus indicus), one of the rarest amphibians endemic to Kerala’s Western Ghats.

  • The study reported that 7 galaxy frogs discovered in 2020 vanished and are presumed dead after repeated disturbances caused by photographers visiting their habitat.
  • Galaxy frogs are tiny (2-3.5 cm), silent amphibians that live exclusively under rotting logs in moist forest patches and are already listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
  • While habitat loss, landslides and firewood collection remain long-term threats, the study highlighted photo ....
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Ecology & Environment