Cascade
Frog (Amolops formosus): SPECIES OF THE DAY
1. Location: Cascade
Frog are found in India (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Nagaland,
Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam), Northern Bangladesh, and much of
Nepal.
2. Characteristics:
a. The Assam Cascade Frog has a slender body and
long legs, which make it highly adept at jumping across rocks and swimming in
strong currents.
b. It has smooth skin, and its skin colouration is a blend of earthy
browns and greens, providing excellent camouflage against the rocky and leafy
surroundings of its habitat.
c. Some individuals have light stripes or patterns on their backs or
limbs.
3. Habitat: This
species thrives in hilly, forested areas where there are streams and
waterfalls. These frogs are often found near the water’s edge, where they lay
their eggs.
4. Species Behaviour: Assam
Cascade Frogs are mainly nocturnal and are active during the rainy
season when the water flow in their habitats is high. They
are insectivores, feeding on small insects and other invertebrates they
find near the water or on the forest floor.
5. Conservation status:
a. It is currently classified as Least Concern by
the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
b. It is not listed under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (IWPA).
It is also not included in the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
6. Major Threats: Habitat
loss due to deforestation and alterations in water management, such
as dam construction.