Raorchestes munnarensis (Munnar bush frog) 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 (less than 20 km2) 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.

Raorchestes munnarensis

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.

Raorchestes munnarensis

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.

Raorchestes munnarensis

References

External links

munnarensis

Frogs of India

Endemic fauna of the Western Ghats

Fauna of Kerala

Munnar

Taxonomy articles created by Polbot

Amphibians described in 2009