Malabar Gliding Frog and Its Unique Foam-Nest Strategy

High in the forests of India’s Western Ghats lives the Malabar gliding frog, an amphibian known for its bright green colour, aerial movements, and remarkable breeding technique. Instead of laying eggs directly in water, this species creates a suspended foam nest above ponds and streams, showcasing an inventive survival strategy adapted to its treetop habitat.

A Frog Built for the Treetops

The Malabar gliding frog is adapted to life high in the canopy. During movement, it spreads the webbing between its toes to glide from branch to branch. This ability helps it escape predators, locate mates, and reach nesting sites positioned safely above water bodies.

A Unique Foam Nesting Behaviour

With the arrival of the monsoon, the frog begins its specialised breeding ritual. The female chooses a branch or leaf overhanging a pond, while the male attaches in the amplexus position. Together, they create a white, frothy nest around three inches wide. The foam protects up to 200 eggs from predators, sunlight, and drying, acting as an elevated incubator.

From Nest to Water: A Safe Descent

Once the eggs hatch, the tadpoles slip out of the foam nest and drop directly into the water below. The placement of the nest ensures a safe, gravity-assisted transition into the aquatic environment, where the tadpoles continue their development until they mature into young frogs capable of climbing back into the canopy.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The Malabar gliding frog builds suspended foam nests above water.
• Nests can contain up to 200 eggs protected from predators and drying.
• The species glides using webbed toes to move between branches.
• Tadpoles drop from the nest into streams to begin their aquatic growth stage.

Ecological Importance of the Species

The frog is an important indicator of ecosystem health in the Western Ghats, relying on clean water and intact forests to survive. Its presence reflects the stability of local habitats. However, threats such as deforestation, pollution, and habitat loss place pressure on amphibian populations. Protecting this species contributes to conserving the broader biodiversity of one of India’s richest ecological regions.