Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Amphibian
- Order
- Anura
- Family
- Rhacophoridae
Habitat
This species primarily inhabits the moist evergreen forests and plantations of the Western Ghats in southwestern India, favoring areas with dense vegetation, streams, and high humidity. It is commonly found in trees and shrubs near water sources, thriving at elevations from 500 to 1500 meters.
Diet
The Malabar gliding frog feeds mainly on insects such as flies, moths, and beetles, which it captures using its long, sticky tongue. It is primarily nocturnal, actively hunting from perches in trees during the night, and may occasionally consume smaller invertebrates like spiders.
Behavior
These frogs are arboreal and nocturnal, spending most of their time in trees and gliding between branches to evade threats or find food. They exhibit territorial behavior during breeding season, with males calling to attract females, and they often form foam nests for egg-laying. Social interactions are minimal outside of mating, as they are generally solitary.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status is Least Concern, with a stable population trend, but it faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change in the Western Ghats.