Uperodon Montanus

About Uperodon montanus:

• It is also known as Jerdon’s narrow-mouthed frog or Malabar Hill frog
• It is endemic to the Western Ghats of India.
• The typical habitat in which this frog is found in tree holes in the rainy season is in the moist deciduous forest to evergreen forest. 
• This frog is considered a montane species and is restricted to higher altitude ranges of 800-1,700 metres.
• They are distributed from near Wayanad south across the Palghat and the Shencottah gaps to the Agasthyamalai hills.
• Its tadpoles are free-swimming and exotropic, which means they feed on other species.
• Conservation status:
• IUCN: Near Threatened

Q1) What is the significance of Palghat?

The gap has served as a major trade route between the east and west coast of peninsular India. The gap also plays a significant role in the climate of the neigbouring regions of Coimbatore and Palakkad. It allows the south west monsoon to enter Coimbatore thereby moderating the summer temperature of the region and provides greater rainfall compared to the other districts of Tamil Nadu.

Source: After 89 years, frog endemic to the higher altitudes of Western Ghats ‘rediscovered’

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