DANCING FROGS

Endemic to the Western Ghats, these frogs belong to the Micrixalus genus and are considered the fifth-most threatened genus globally, with 92%of their species classified as threatened.

1. Found in habitats with dense canopy cover ranging from 70-80%.

1. Unique Mating Display: Near streams, male dancing frogs exhibit a distinct mating behavior is known as "foot flagging."  They raise one hind leg at a time, rapidly waving their webbed toes in the air, resembling a dance. This behavior attracts mates and deters competitors due to the masking of their mating calls by the stream's noise.

1. Ecological Importance: Frogs, including dancing frogs, play a vital role in the food chain and offer diverse ecological services.
2. Threats Faced: These species confront multiple threats:

1. 1. invasive species like the mosquito fish,
   2. land-use alterations,
   3. fluctuations in temperature and humidity,
   4. extreme weather events (e.g., floods, excess rainfall),
   5. infectious diseases,
   6. water and light pollution, and
   7. impacts from infrastructure projects.

1. The Nilgiri Dancing Frog is categorized as Vulnerable
2. White-Cheeked Dancing Frog is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.