Raorchestes signatus (Boulenger, 1882)

Taxonomy

Raorchestes signatus is a species of frog belonging to the family Rhacophoridae.

Endemic Range

It is endemic to the Western Ghats region of India.

Habitat Types

This is an arboreal frog that has been found in montane evergreen forests, shola forests, and isolated forest patches; it has also occasionally been observed in towns, grasslands, and tea plantations.

Elevation Range

Individuals of this frog have been recorded at elevations between 1780 and 2465 meters above sea level.

Reproduction

Like all other frogs in the genus Raorchestes, this species reproduces via direct development, with no free-swimming tadpole stage.

Deformity Observations

Scientists have observed some deformed individuals of this frog, and speculate that the deformities may be caused by overexposure to ultraviolet light.

Conservation Status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists this frog as Vulnerable to extinction, due to its relatively small range and ongoing habitat degradation.

Deforestation Threat

The species is threatened by deforestation driven by logging and agricultural activity.

Pollution Threat

It is also harmed by exposure to pollution, fertilizers, and herbicides, some of which interfere with the frog's ability to reproduce.

Climate Change Threat

Scientists identify climate change as an additional threat to this species.

Temperature and Invasive Species

The Nilgiri Hills are now warmer than they were in the past, which has worsened encroachment by invasive tree species including eucalyptus and acacia.

Groundwater Changes

Climate change has also changed the behavior of groundwater in the region.

Disease Risk

Scientists believe the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is capable of infecting this frog; this fungus causes the fatal fungal disease chytridiomycosis.