Mighty Mom

First published in Sanctuary Cub, Vol. 44 No. 3, March 2024

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Photo Feature

Fire in the belly
The Malabar torrent toad Blaira ornata is a rare and endangered toad endemic to a few areas in the Western Ghats. Its vivid underside colouration is believed to have a role in its breeding and courtship display and may also serve as part of the unken reflex (unke is the German word for fire-bellied toads) – a defensive posture seen in several branches of the amphibian class, including salamanders, toads, and certain frogs. During this response, the animal arches its body to reveal its bright underside, warning potential predators of its toxicity or unpalatability. Photo: Sandeep Das.