A study conducted in Udupi, Karnataka, reveals that urbanisation in the Western Ghats is not just causing species loss but reshaping frog communities by filtering species based on traits like body size, reproduction, and habitat use.

Researchers found that specialist frogs, such as arboreal or burrowing species, are declining due to urban expansion, while generalist species with adaptable traits thrive in urban environments.The study, published in Urban Ecosystems, highlights that urbanisation acts as a 'trait filter' rather than a simple diversity filter.Microhabitats like rocky crevices and leaf litter play a crucial role in buffering urban impacts on amphibians.

The research underscores the need for biodiversity-sensitive urban planning, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural habitats like sacred groves.

While the findings suggest that moderately urbanised areas can retain biodiversity, the authors caution against overgeneralising due to the study's limited scope.The study also calls for long-term monitoring to track changes in amphibian communities as urbanisation progresses.