ENP emerges as a thriving habitat for endangered frog

 

The Hindu Bureau, 

IDUKKI, September 10, 2026

A recent comprehensive amphibian and reptile survey across the protected areas of the Munnar Wildlife Division found that Eravikulam National Park (ENP) near Munnar in Idukki has emerged as a thriving habitat for the endangered Resplendent Shrub Frog, a species acutely vulnerable to climate change. According to officials, the survey recorded a healthy population of the frog, which is endemic to the Munnar region.

Herpetologist Sandeep Das said that over 1,938 Resplendent Shrub Frog encounters were recorded in ENP during the survey. “The healthy population of this frog emphasises that this habitat represents the final survival stronghold for the species,” said Dr. Das. “The frog was first found in Anamudi and later in the grasslands of Meesapulimala and Eravikulam National Park. Normally, cold-climate-adapted frogs move to higher elevations as temperatures rise. But these frogs already live at the highest elevations, and these areas are their only habitat. Destroying these habitats would lead to their extinction.”

He added that the robust population highlights the urgent need to protect the high-altitude grasslands across ENP and greater Munnar.

Eco-restoration projects

The survey also highlighted the success of eco-restoration projects conducted in the Shola National Parks, which have led to the return of several native species. Munnar Wildlife Warden K.V. Harikrishnan noted that restoring grassland habitats has driven a notable comeback of species such as the Anamalai Spiny Lizard, Kodaikanal Bush Frog, and Shola Night Frog, serving as a compelling indicator of ecological recovery.

The four-day survey ran from September 3 to 6 across protected areas under the Munnar Wildlife Division, including Eravikulam, Anamudi Shola, Pampadum Shola, and Mathikettan Shola National Parks, as well as the Kurinjimala Sanctuary.

In total, researchers documented 54 amphibian and 52 reptile species. “According to the IUCN Red List, 19 species categorised as endangered — such as the Resplendent Shrub Frog, Yellow-eyed Reed Frog, Anamalai Gliding Frog, Toad-skinned Leaping Frog, and Shola Night Frog — were recorded during this survey, along with 10 vulnerable species (like the Galaxy Frog) and seven near threatened species (such as the Purple Frog),” said ENP Assistant Wildlife Warden Nizam. A.

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New lichen species discovered in Mathikettan Shola National Park

 

Sandeep Vellaram, 

IDUKKI September 9 2026

Researchers have discovered a new species of lichen, Buellia maharajensis, in Mathikettan Shola National Park. This marks the fourth lichen variety discovered within the park, situated near Santhanpara in Idukki.

A five-member team made the discovery during a lichen diversity survey, and their findings were recently published in international journal Taiwania.

At elevation of 1,351 m

The newly discovered species is a saxicolous lichen that grows directly on rock surfaces and was recorded at an elevation of approximately 1,351 m.

The study was co-authored by Stephen Sequeira, retired associate professor, alongside senior research fellow Aswathi Anilkumar and research fellow Arun Christy associated with the Lichenology laboratory at the Post Graduate and Research Department of Botany, Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam. The team also included Siljo Joseph of the KSCSTE–Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), as well as Sanjeeva Nayaka and Roshinikumar Ngangom from the CSIR–National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow.

Lichen hub

Dr. Sequeira noted that Mathikettan Shola is recognised as a lichen hub. During Ms. Aswathi’s field research, around 250 lichen species were documented in the park. “Around 60 species were recorded for the first time in Kerala, alongside 15 new records for India. Our team had previously discovered three other new species here,” he said.

“Lichens are typically found in undisturbed forest ecosystems. Since Mathikettan Shola was declared a protected area, lichen growth has expanded significantly. Undisturbed habitats play a vital role in conserving these organisms,” Dr. Sequeira added.

He noted that Buellia maharajensis was named in honour of Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary. “The study highlights the college’s contribution to biodiversity research, taxonomy, and scientific exploration. The specific epithet maharajensis was chosen as a tribute to the institution’s long-standing academic legacy,” he explained.

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