The Western Ghats endemic Malabar Tree Toad (Pedostibes tuberculosus) is an endangered species. This project aims to build a long-term conservation strategy for this species and other amphibians by developing local capacity for amphibian surveys and monitoring. The project plans to conduct field-based workshops and awareness programmes, complemented by citizen scientist field surveys to collect information on distribution and ecology of this species, and to make this data available in the public domain. We also hope that this project will pave the way for further citizen-science based projects for amphibian conservation in India.
Image credits:
Harikrishnan S
Year of Initiation:
2020
Project Coordinator:
Harikrishnan Surendran
E-mail Address:
Role in the project:
Investigator
Institutional Affiliation:
Metastring Foundation
Taxa:
Malabar tree toad (Pedostibes tuberculosus) and other amphibians
Status:
Active
No. of participants:
0 - 100
Geographical spread of project:
Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra
Further information:
The project covers the range of the Malabar tree toad in the Western Ghats
Run through an umbrella platform:
India Biodiversity Portal
Purpose of the project:
The goal of this project is to map the distribution and document ecology of the elusive Malabar tree toad through people’s participation. Through the field workshops and outreach activities, we also aim to improve local capacity for monitoring endangered amphibians across the Western Ghats.
Coordinating institution/organisation:
Metastring Foundation, Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design, and Technology
Location of the coordinating institution/organisation(s):
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Data availability:
Immediately available to anyone
Participation in language other than English:
Yes
Other languages allowed for participation:
Participation is largely through image, audio, and video contributions. The umbrella platform India Biodiversity Portal allows the use of multiple languages.
Appropriate age groups of participants:
All age groups
Citizen participation through:
Website, Mobile application
Why should people participate:
Amphibians are undergoing rapid declines around the world due to habitat loss, diseases, and climate change. However, conservation efforts are hampered by the lack of information on distribution and ecology of most species. The need of the hour is to have as many eyes as possible observing these animals in nature.
Prior knowledge or expertise required:
All that is required for participating in the project is an interest in nature and amphibians.