Question

Would Western Ghats ecosystems be less functional if one of its tree frog species is lost forever?

Answer 1

Part 1: Western Ghats
The Western Ghats is a region with high species richness and diversity. It is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots having 179 amphibian species. Many endemic species are also found here. Many frog species like the Anaimalai flying frog and the purple frog are endemic to the Western ghats and are critically endangered.

Part 2: Effect of extinction of a species of frog
Extinction of a frog specie would cause the following:-

• Loss of indicators- Amphibians are known to be ecological indicators as they are very sensitive towards small changes in the ecosystem. Tadpoles are involved in nutrient cycling in aquatic habitats. They give us information about the water quality.
• Loss of a natural pest control- Since they feed on mosquitoes, they control the mosquito population and thus reduce the diseases caused by mosquitoes.
• Loss of an important link in the food chain- Every species including frogs are important in the food web. Loss of them would cause an imbalance.