2025-03-14

As part of the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS) - Wild Incubator Tech Program 2024, Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) had launched a project to develop bioacoustic tools for monitoring amphibian diversity in the Munnar landscape, Western Ghats, India. This project, in collaboration with the K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics at Cornell Lab of Ornithology (USA) and Biometrio earth (Germany) aims to enhance species identification, particularly focusing on threatened species, using advanced acoustic monitoring and machine learning techniques.

The primary objective of this project is to conduct comprehensive field surveys to document the diversity of frog taxa in the Munnar landscape, with a particular focus on IUCN threatened species. These surveys will provide valuable data on population status, habitat distribution and conservation challenges faced by these amphibians in a region increasingly affected by tourism and climate change.

Another key goal is to develop a training dataset by recording and analyzing the unique calls of various frog species during their breeding season. Since these vocalizations play a crucial role in communication, particularly for mating and territorial defense, they serve as reliable identifiers for species-specific bioacoustic taxonomic classification. This approach provides a non-invasive, efficient method for monitoring frog populations even in remote areas and under extreme weather conditions. Ultimately, this will contribute towards the long-term biodiversity conservation efforts.

Frogs are well-established bioindicators of environmental health and variations in their call frequency, intensity and timing may signal habitat degradation, pollution or climate shifts. Long-term acoustic monitoring allows researchers to track these changes and identify early warning signs of environmental stress, aiding in proactive conservation strategies.

Furthermore, the project aims to engage local communities and students by incorporating bioacoustics into educational programs. Interactive learning experiences, such as listening to recorded frog calls, can foster awareness and encourage citizen science participation. By making bioacoustic data publicly accessible this project contributes to collaborative conservation efforts, ensuring long-term protection of amphibian species.

During the recent visit to Madupatty area, the research team documented few frog species baring the prevailing dry season; Raorchestes munnarensis, Raorchestes chlorosoma, Raorchestes griet, Raorchestes beddomii, Minervarya sp., Ghatixalus asterops and Nyctibatrachus poocha. The team involved Dr. Nelson P Abraham, Dr. Punnen Kurian, Sarath Babu N B, Nidhichand K P and Cimila Sibichen.

Additionally, the team successfully conducted a preliminary trial recording of multiple frog vocalizations in their natural habitat. A discussion with the KDHP authorities  with regard to the collaborative implementation of the current project.