無秩序むちつじょな撮影活動さつえいかつどうが絶滅危惧種ぜつめつきぐしゅギャラクシーフロッグに及およぼす深刻しんこくな影響えいきょう

Scientists say that the Galaxy Frog Melanobatrachus indicus, an amphibian renowned for its rare beauty even on a global scale, is facing a serious threat due to disorderly and unethical photography activities.

This species is found only in the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats in India, has a unique pattern resembling a starry sky, and is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN.

However, according to recent studies, the entire population of this species has disappeared from its original habitat, the tropical rainforest.

The galaxy frog is small, only about the size of a fingertip, and mainly hides in moist crevices such as under rocks, fallen leaves, or decaying wood. These places are considered biodiversity hotspots.

Since 2019, researchers have been continuously tracking the movements of this rare species, and in early 2020, they confirmed that seven individuals were hiding under a log.

However, after the survey was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and a follow-up investigation was conducted, it was found that this group of frogs had disappeared.

According to a report published in the journal Herpetology Notes, the main cause of this disappearance is believed to be unregulated photography tours.

Photographers trampled the habitat in search of the ideal shooting angle, moved logs, and seriously affected the frogs’ feeding and breeding behavior.

Furthermore, actions lacking consideration for animal welfare were continuously carried out, such as moving frogs onto moss or tree branches for photography, and using high-powered flashes for about four hours per shoot.

Furthermore, due to bare-handed contact, water shortages, and inadequate biosafety measures, galaxy frogs have become extremely vulnerable to stress, temperature changes, and even infectious diseases.

In fact, according to on-site observers, two frogs died because the photo shoot lasted a long time, but this has not been confirmed by the researchers.

In response to this situation, the report strongly calls for environmental improvements in wildlife protection in India, and also urges the establishment of strict ethical standards for nature and conservation photography.

Mr. Rajkumar warned, This tragic incident serves as a warning about the serious consequences of disorderly photography, and without careful and responsible management, these rare and beautiful frogs are at risk of disappearing from the earth forever.

On the other hand, some believe that if photos are taken in the correct way, it can help us better understand the distribution and behavior of animals, and provide valuable information for conservation efforts.

It is undeniable that photographs taken can contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and the raising of awareness regarding the protection of rare species.

However, as long as unethical behavior continues, the existence of galactic frogs and other precious creatures will become increasingly vulnerable.