Herping in Munnar: Exploring Frogs, Lizards, Snakes

For years, my passion for birding has taken me to many places in the world, photographing the avian wonders of our planet. However, there comes a moment in every enthusiast’s journey when curiosity beckons them towards uncharted territories, and mine arrived when I decided to step out of my comfort zone and delve into the captivating realm of frogs, lizards, and snakes.

Long ago, scientists categorized amphibians and reptiles under a single group called herptiles, despite the notable distinctions between the two. Herptiles include frogs/toads, salamanders, and caecilians (amphibians) and turtles/tortoises, snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and tuataras (reptiles). The field of study dedicated to these fascinating creatures is known as herpetology, from the Greek word herpetón, meaning creeping animal. Engaging in the pursuit of observing and studying these creatures is aptly termed herping. Munnar, situated in the Western Ghats (Kerala, India) and celebrated for its verdant landscapes, misty hills, and diverse wildlife, stood as the perfect canvas for my newfound adventure.

Equipped with my camera and flash diffuser to capture these elusive creatures in their natural habitat, I embarked on an adventure in Munnar. I took the assistance of Hadlee Renjith, a knowledgeable guide familiar with the hidden wonders of Munnar’s wilderness. For over a decade, he has cultivated a profound interest in herping, accumulating vast knowledge from his hands-on experiences. His proficiency in photography enhanced the overall experience.

With the guidance of Hadlee, we ventured into prime herping locations from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in order to explore the nocturnal mysteries of Munnar’s forest. As we navigated through the forest, the secrets of nature began to unfold—from the nimble movements of tree frogs to the sinuous grace of snakes. The experience mirrored the thrill of encountering a rare bird species.

In what follows, I share some striking pictures of the herpetofauna I sighted in the trip, and provide an introduction about them. Most of these species are endemic to the captivating yet endangered Western Ghats and are vulnerable. Let’s begin with frogs, the commonest of all herptiles.

With a staggering 5,000 species, frogs exhibit remarkable diversity in size and colour, adapted to thrive in environments ranging from tropical forests to deserts. Their coloration serves dual purposes: The mottled hues aid in camouflage, and the vibrant colours, as seen in poison frogs, warn predators about their toxic nature. Social creatures, they live in groups called armies or colonies and communicate through unique calls during mating season. Their lifespan remains unknown but can range from 1 day to potentially 30 years.

Commonly known as Beddome’s bush frog (Raorchestes beddomii), this frog is named after Colonel Richard Henry Beddome, who collected the type specimen. These frogs are primarily arboreal (adapted to a life on trees and shrubs). They are known for their exceptional climbing abilities and are typically nocturnal (active during the night). Like many tree frogs, they lay their eggs on leaves, and the tadpoles drop into the water below after hatching.

Commonly known as the Anaimalai flying frog (Rhacophorus pseudomalabaricus), false Malabar gliding frog, or false Malabar tree frog, this frog is known for its unique appearance, characterized by large, webbed feet that enable it to glide or ‘fly’ between trees. It typically has vibrant colours, often displaying shades of green and brown, which aid in camouflage.

Jayaram’s bush frog (Raorchestes jayarami) stands out for its diversity in colour and pattern. Within their population, you’ll find a spectrum of morphs, each one a natural masterpiece. Some sport a plain, vibrant green hue, while others have a palette of splotches and dots, ranging from darker shades of green to, in some instances, the striking addition of yellow accents.

Green-eyed bushfrog (Raorchestes chlorosomma) is a small tree frog, which is critically endangered. It is nocturnal. A skilled climber and jumper, it often hunts for small arthropods among the vegetation. The male produces calls to attract females during the breeding season. The female lays her eggs on leaves above small, temporary rainwater-filled pools or streams. The tadpoles hatch and fall into the water, where they metamorphose into adult frogs.

The star-eyed bush frog (Raorchestes signatus) is another species that is endangered. As the name suggests, its most distinguishing feature is the large and bulging eyes, which have a star-like appearance due to the presence of distinct reticulated patterns on their irises. Primarily nocturnal, it is well adapted to live on trees and are skilled climbers. Also a skilled jumper, it uses its powerful hind legs to leap between branches and leaves.

Sushil’s bushfrog (Raorchestes sushili) is exclusively found in a specific area in the Western Ghats and is facing a critical threat of extinction. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect and preserve their unique environment.

Munnar bush frog (Raorchestes munnarensis) claims its existence along the Ghat road to Devikulam in the Western Ghats of India. With a range confined to less than 20 square kilometres, this elusive amphibian thrives in the secondary vegetation adjacent to the forest along the Ghat road. Notably, it shares its habitat with a tea plantation, choosing the fringes rather than venturing inside. It employs a unique breeding strategy—develops directly, bypassing the traditional tadpole stage.

Roarchestes blandus was discovered in 2008 and derives its name from the delightful notes of its mating calls (blandus being the Latin word for alluring, pleasant). Adorned with irregular brown glandular patches, this charming amphibian adds to the biodiversity of this region.

Large Ponmudi bush frog (Raorchestes ponmudi) is a frog species exclusive to the region. It boasts a distinctive life cycle marked by direct development. In a departure from the norm, the tadpoles of this species transform within the egg, emerging directly as tiny frogs. Initially described from the Ponmudi Hill, from which it draws its name, this unique amphibian appears to have a broader distribution across the southern expanse of the Western Ghats.

The golden frog (Indosylvirana aurantiaca) is commonly referred to as the Trivandrum frog, the common wood frog, or the small wood frog. This amphibian displays a versatile lifestyle, being semi-arboreal and semi-aquatic. It thrives in a variety of ecosystems, including tropical wetlands, moist and swampy forests, and coastal regions. Its larvae live in running water, while the adults find repose on rocks and other objects in and around bodies of water. Although nocturnal, it may become active during light rains in the daytime, showcasing a dynamic adaptability to environmental conditions.

The slender wolf snake (Lycodon aulicus) is found in various parts of Asia. They are nocturnal. Generally non-venomous, they are not considered dangerous to humans. Wolf snakes are carnivorous and feed on small vertebrates, including lizards, frogs, and occasionally small rodents

The large-scaled pit viper (Craspedocephalus macrolepis) is a venomous snake. Like other pit vipers, it possesses venom and heat-sensing pits between its nostrils and eyes, which help in locating prey by detecting the heat emitted by warm-blooded animals. It feeds on small mammals, birds, and other prey, using the venom to immobilize its prey before consuming it. It is a generally solitary and relatively docile snake. When threatened, it may display defensive behaviour by coiling and raising its head.

Gunther’s vine snake (Ahaetulla dispar) is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day, and alternates between an arboreal (trees) and terrestrial (ground) lifestyle. It preys on lizards and frogs. This rear-fanged serpent secretes a mild venom

The Anaimalai spiny lizard (Salea anamallayana) is characterized by its spiny and keeled scales along its back. Its coloration varies, but it often exhibits earthy tones, like browns and greens, helping it to blend into its natural habitat. It inhabits the montane forests and hilly regions of the Western Ghats, particularly the Anaimalai Hills. Like many lizards, it is diurnal and basks in the sunshine to regulate its body temperature, as is common among reptiles.

Amphibians are exceptional bioindicators, offering valuable insights about the quality of water and the environment. Their sensitivity to pollution and habitat degradation positions them as reliable health indicators of ecosystems—their presence or absence serving as a crucial metric. The ability of frogs to breathe through their skin allows them to directly absorb oxygen from their surroundings, rendering them highly responsive to habitat changes. Amphibians and reptiles are both predators and prey. From regulating insect populations to serving as vital links in food chains, they play a vital role in maintaining ecological equilibrium. They have endured through millions of years, surviving major extinctions.

Observing these animals in their natural habitat is a wonderful experience. However, it’s advisable to take the guidance of your local guide, ensuring a safe and respectful interaction. By refraining from disturbing their natural environment, we protect these animals and their ecosystems, ensuring that future generations can also appreciate and enjoy their presence in the wild.

That these animals are facing imminent extinction because of the dual threats of climate change and rapid urbanization is deeply disheartening. It underscores the urgent need to conserve their delicate ecosystems and the unique life forms they support.