Unethical photographers have become a threat to these tiny, starlit frogs

Unethical photography practices are endangering the rare galaxy frogs in India’s Western Ghats, with a new study highlighting how unregulated trips have caused habitat disruption and raised extinction concerns. The galaxy frog, known for its star-speckled appearance, is a tiny amphibian found exclusively in the evergreen forests of India’s Western Ghats mountain range. Listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, these frogs shelter in damp crevices beneath rocks and decaying logs, making them highly sensitive to environmental changes. A study published in Herpetology Notes on December 18, 2025, reveals that unregulated photography trips are a key threat to the species. Researchers from the Zoological Society of London, led by Rajkumar K P, documented how photographers have been disturbing the frogs’ microhabitats in search of the perfect shot. In early 2020, the research team discovered a group of seven galaxy frogs in a monitored patch of rainforest. However, after a break due to Covid-19 restrictions, the group had vanished by the time scientists returned, coinciding with increased photographer activity in the area. The study details how groups of up to six photographers would descend on the site, trampling the area and overturning logs where the frogs reside. They often handled the tiny creatures, moving them onto moss or logs for better photos, with sessions lasting up to four hours under intense camera flashes. This repeated handling, combined with lack of hydration and biosecurity protocols, left the frogs vulnerable to stress, heat, and potential disease. Trackers reported that two small frogs died during these photoshoots, although researchers could not verify these deaths. The report urges the establishment of ethical standards for nature and conservation photography in India to protect wildlife. Rajkumar emphasized that while photography can aid conservation by educating the public and documenting species, irresponsible practices turn it into a hazard. This incident underscores the broader issue of photo tourism impacting endangered species. Without careful management, such activities could push the galaxy frog towards extinction, highlighting the need for regulations and awareness among photographers and tour operators.