Amphibian
Malabar Gliding Frog
Rhacophorus malabaricusAlso known as Malabar Flying Frog
Malabar gliding frogs inhabit the humid rainforest canopies of India's Western Ghats, leaping between branches using expansive red-orange webbed feet that act as parachutes. During monsoon rains, breeding pairs construct suspended foam nests on leaves directly overhanging forest pools so emerging tadpoles fall into the water below. Brilliant emerald-green skin provides camouflage against wet leaves during daylight hours.
ArborealNocturnalEndemic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyMoths, Crickets, Flies
Predators
- Tree snakes
- Birds
- Small mammals
ThreatsDeforestation, canopy loss, pesticide runoff
HabitatsTropical rainforest canopy, mountain evergreen forests
Life span3–5 years
Classification
- FamilyRhacophoridae
- SpeciesRhacophorus malabaricus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Night Spotting: Look for reflective eye-shine among leaves near forest streams during monsoon rains.
- Breeding Etiquette: Avoid disturbing fragile foam nests suspended over small woodland pools.
- Lighting Care: Use soft flashlight illumination rather than harsh flash to protect night vision.
Predator (c) Dinesh Valke, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Forest Neighbor (c) Ashwin Viswanathan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ashwin Viswanathan · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Brian Gratwicke, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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