Karnataka moves to declare Malabar Tree Toad as state amphibian, Thuduve honey bee as state insect

Karkala: The Karnataka Forest Department has initiated steps to grant official state status to two rare species found in the Western Ghats — the Malabar Tree Toad as the “State Amphibian” and the native Thuduve honey bee as the “State Insect”.

The move is aimed at bringing global recognition to the rich biodiversity of the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats and strengthening conservation efforts for ecologically sensitive species. The proposal has already received approval from the State Wildlife Board and is awaiting official notification from the government.

The Malabar Tree Toad and the Thuduve honey bee are commonly found in the forests of Agumbe, Kudremukh National Park, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kollur Wildlife Sanctuary and other Western Ghats regions.

Wildlife experts and frog researchers had been demanding state recognition for the Malabar Tree Toad for several years and had submitted proposals with the support of the Forest Department. Environmentalists have long argued that smaller species playing an important role in the ecological chain should also receive conservation priority similar to elephants, tigers, lions and primates.

The Malabar Tree Toad is an amphibian that mainly lives on trees and comes to the ground only during its breeding season.

Need for special status

Wildlife conservationists said the species is currently facing the threat of extinction. Goa has already declared the Malabar Tree Toad as its state amphibian. Experts believe Karnataka granting similar recognition would provide stronger legal protection for the sensitive habitats of the Western Ghats where the species is found.

Thuduve honey bee plays key role in farming and forests

The Thuduve honey bee, also known as the Indian Honey Bee (Apis cerana indica), is a native species commonly seen in the Malnad and Coastal Karnataka regions, including forests and agricultural lands.

Experts said the bee plays a major role in pollination in dense Western Ghats forests, plantations and other agricultural crops across the coastal and Malnad belt. They warned that without these bees, both forest growth and agricultural productivity would decline.

The number of honey bees has reportedly been decreasing due to pesticide use and climate-related changes. Wildlife experts said granting “State Insect” status would encourage beekeeping and help protect natural bee colonies.

Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Eshwar Khandre said the government would soon officially declare the Malabar Tree Toad as the state amphibian and the Thuduve honey bee as the state insect. He said the government is giving priority to the conservation of biodiversity and all living species.