A recent study highlights significant concerns about climate change affecting the Malabar Tree Toad (MTT), an amphibian species endemic to India’s Western Ghats. The research, conducted by a group of scientists and citizens, reveals that climate change could drastically reduce the MTT’s distribution range in India’s protected areas (PAs) by up to 68.7% between 2061 and 2080, depending on future climate scenarios.
Future Distribution Scenarios
- High Emissions Scenarios: Under high emissions scenarios, the MTT’s distribution range within PAs could shrink from its current estimate of 33.5% to 68.7%.
- Low Emissions Scenarios: Conversely, in low emissions scenarios, the species’ distribution range could expand significantly from 1.9% to 111.3% within PAs.
Characteristics of the Malabar Tree Toad
- Endemic Species: MTT is native to the Western Ghats and is the sole member of the monotypic genus Pedostibes.
- Unique Adaptations: Unlike most toads which are ground-dwelling, MTT is arboreal and capable of climbing trees.
Historical Context
Discovered in 1876, the MTT was not sighted for over a century before being rediscovered in 1980 in Silent Valley National Park, Kerala. Observations were scarce until 2014.
Current Threats and Findings
- Biodiversity Hotspot: The Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot, hosts around 252 amphibian species, including 17 critically endangered and 40 data-deficient species.
- Global Threats: Globally, 40.7% of amphibians are threatened due to human activities like deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization.
- Climate Change Impact: Climate change has led to habitat fragmentation, pollution, disease, and morphological deformities, contributing to amphibian population declines.
Study Contributions and Insights
- Citizen Science: The study is notable for incorporating citizen science in the distribution modeling of an endangered amphibian species.
- Habitat Changes: Central Western Ghats are expected to lose suitable habitats, while southern regions might gain. Specific sanctuaries and national parks will experience varying impacts.
- Habitat Loss: Future distributions will largely fall within evergreen forests (63.6%), with smaller percentages in plantations (14.23%), croplands (6.75%), and mixed forests (8.41%).
Recommendations and Future Outlook
- Conservation Measures: Enhanced surveys and conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the persistence of MTT populations.
- Government Proposal: A proposal has been made to the Government of Karnataka to declare the MTT as the state amphibian, reflecting its significance and the urgency for conservation.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the maximum projected reduction in the Malabar Tree Toad’s distribution range in protected areas by 2080 under high emissions scenarios?
- A) 33.5%
- B) 68.7%
- C) 50%
- D) 75%
- Under low emissions scenarios, by how much could the distribution range of the Malabar Tree Toad increase in protected areas?
- A) 10.9%
- B) 111.3%
- C) 50%
- D) 1.9%
- Which region is predicted to lose most of its suitable habitat for the Malabar Tree Toad?
- A) Southern Western Ghats
- B) Central Western Ghats
- C) Eastern Ghats
- D) Northern Western Ghats
- What percentage of future Malabar Tree Toad distributions is expected to fall within evergreen forests?
- A) 14.23%
- B) 6.75%
- C) 63.6%
- D) 8.41%
- What unique adaptation does the Malabar Tree Toad have compared to most other toads?
- A) Ability to fly
- B) Ability to climb trees
- C) Ability to swim long distances
- D) Ability to change color