Researchers have seen such a frog in the foothills of the Western Ghats of Karnataka and Kerala, with a mushroom growing from its left side. Scientists are confused after seeing this strange change. Information about this has been published in the magazine ‘Reptiles and Amphibians’. The frog has been identified as Rao’s intermediate golden-backed frog (Hylarna intermedia).
Researchers observed in Karkala on 19 June
It was seen by a team including researchers from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) on June 19 last year in Karkala, Karnataka. This particular species is endemic to the Western Ghats of Karnataka and Kerala, especially in the area above the Palghat Gap, where it is known to thrive in relative abundance.
40 frogs seen in a small pond
Researchers saw about 40 such frogs in a small pond of rain water on the roadside. Something strange was seen on the left side of one of them and after closer inspection, a mushroom was seen growing from its left side. The frog is alive and active despite this unusual condition.
Mushroom identified as species of bonnet mushroom
Further analysis by mycologists identified the mushroom as a species of bonnet mushroom (Mycena species), which is commonly found as a saprotroph on rotting wood. Saprotrophs are such structures, which grow on non-living organic objects.