Calyptocephallela gayi

21.12.2024

Calyptocephallela gayi

Why in the news?                        

A giant frog species Calyptocephallela gayi is now losing ground in its native Chile as climate change and human intervention damage its habitat.

About Calyptocephallela gayi:

• It is one of the largest frogs in the world, growing up to over 30 cm (1 foot) in length and weighing up to 1 kg (2.2 lbs).
• It is also known as Helmeted Water Toad which hopped alongside dinosaurs and is considered a "living fossil".
• Appearance: It is a robust species with a broad head and large mouth. It is very large, and can reach a snout–to–vent length of up to 15.5 cm (6 in) in males and 32 cm (13 in) in females.
• Habitat: They inhabit aquatic environments, such as lakes, rivers and ponds.
• Distribution: They are found in the lowlands of Chile, up to 500 m in elevation.
• Conservation Status

○IUCN: Vulnerable

• Threats: Factors such as climate change, habitat interruption, environmental decline and pollution have all caused the Helmeted Water Toad's numbers to dwindle.

                                                                 Source: The Hindu

Consider the following statements regarding the Calyptocephallela gayi:

Statement-I:It is one of the largest frog species found in the lowlands of Chile.

Statement-II:It is categorized as a critically endangered species under the IUCN Red List.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

C.Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

D.Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Answer C