Rare Yellow Bull Frogs Spotted in Hundreds in Kodagu Paddy Fields

The frogs are believed to be the Indian Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus), one of India's largest frog species. Photo: Special Arrangement

Ponnampet: Farmers in B. Shettigeri in Kodagu have reported an unusual wildlife sighting, with hundreds of bright yellow bull frogs appearing in paddy fields over the past week, creating both excitement and curiosity among local residents.

KP Girish, a farmer from B. Shettigeri village in Ponnampet taluk, said that the frogs have been seen in large numbers for the last eight days in fields that are yet to be sown with paddy.

“We have been seeing these yellow frogs for the last eight days. There are more than 200 of them jumping around the paddy fields where sowing is yet to begin. This is the first time we have witnessed so many bull frogs together. It looks beautiful, but at the same time it is a little frightening because we have never seen anything like this before,” he said.

The frogs are believed to be the Indian Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus), one of India's largest frog species. During the breeding season, male Indian bullfrogs undergo a remarkable transformation, turning bright yellow with distinctive blue vocal sacs on either side of the throat. This striking colour helps attract females and is visible only for a few weeks during the monsoon.

Despite their dramatic appearance, these frogs are harmless to humans and play an important role in agriculture. They feed on insects, mosquitoes, caterpillars and other crop pests, making them natural pest controllers in paddy ecosystems. Their presence is also considered an indicator of a healthy environment and good biodiversity, according to experts.

The sighting comes at a time when Kodagu's farming community is grappling with a delayed monsoon. The district has received below-normal rainfall in recent weeks, forcing many farmers to postpone paddy cultivation due to inadequate water in fields. With transplanting yet to begin in several areas, farmers are anxiously awaiting widespread rainfall to commence the season's agricultural activities.

While the delayed rains have caused concern, the unexpected appearance of hundreds of breeding bullfrogs has become a fascinating natural spectacle for villagers, highlighting the rich biodiversity that continues to thrive in Kodagu's agricultural landscapes.

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