The book is the result of Dr. Zacharia’s research since 1996 on frogs and other amphibians found in the Western Ghats. Malayalam names for the species were identified after a brain-storming session of nature lovers in Kozhikode in November last. Malayalam names for 98 species were finalised at that programme.

Dr. Zachariah says it was decided to give Malayalam names to the frog species in order to increase awareness of the fragile existence of amphibians, the most important link in the food -chain. The book is targeted at the common man, more than taxonomists or other scientists.

The Story of Frog Princess has many interesting features. It talks of the discovery of a species of African origin, Nasika betrachus sahyadrensi, which has been in existence for over 150 million years, in the Western Ghats along with a new species belonging to Nycti batrachus (yet be published), The Egg Guarding Frog and the smallest Tetrapod recently found in the Western Ghats (Nycti batrachus minimus), which is a mere 1.5 cm in length.

The book also warns of the dangers of extinction faced by these species. Decline of micro habitats due to deforestation, dwindling forest canopy, destruction of paddy fields and coffee plantations due to change in lifestyles within the Western Ghat region, especially in Wayanad, are factors that have contributed directly to the decline in frog population in the region. “The gravity of the situation is graver considering the fact that out of the 100 species found in the region, around 70 are endemic to the region,” Dr. Zacharia says.

A Correspondent

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