Raorchestes munnarensis


Raorchestes munnarensis is a species of frog in the family Rhacophoridae endemic to Munnar, Kerala, along the Ghat road to Devikulam in the southern Western Ghats, India.

Habitat

It is known only from a small area of secondary vegetation, adjoining the forest along the Ghat road. Specimens were found close to a tea plantation, but not inside the plantation. It breeds by direct development. Its natural habitat is heavily degraded former forest.

Threats

The species is threatened by anthropogenic habitat loss. including habitat clearance for tea and eucalyptus plantations, all the more concerning since there are no other areas of suitable habitat known in the surrounding region.

Conservation Actions

The range of the species is not within any protected area, and protection of the remaining habitat at the species' only known locality is an urgent priority.