Rain Brings Rare Sight: Yellow Frogs Leap Into Andhra Town's Spotlight
The quiet town of Atmakur, located in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, has become the centre of an unexpected natural spectacle. After two days of continuous rain, a puddle on Kabela Street has transformed into an unlikely stage for a colourful amphibian show: more than 100 bright yellow frogs have suddenly appeared, leaving residents astonished.
Crowds of curious onlookers, from wide-eyed children to intrigued adults, gathered to watch and record the vivid frogs croaking and leaping through the shallow water. The normally green and brown amphibians have taken on a striking yellow hue, prompting a wave of questions: Where did they come from? Why are they so bright?
Experts have the answers. Environmentalists confirm that these are Indian bullfrogs (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus), a native species commonly found across South Asia – including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. Typically dull in colour, the male frogs undergo a dramatic transformation during the monsoon season. Their bright yellow colouring signals the start of the breeding period, helping them attract females while simultaneously marking their territory and warning rival males.
Indian bullfrogs thrive in ponds, fields, and other wet, muddy environments during the monsoon. They play a vital ecological role by controlling insect populations. Males produce a loud 'gar-r-r-r" sound – thanks to their large vocal sacs – that can be heard from a distance, filling the area with a chorus of calls during mating season.
Often growing up to 6.5 inches, these frogs are among the largest amphibians in India. They are voracious predators, feeding on insects, small reptiles, rodents, and even small birds, making them key players in maintaining ecological balance in rural and agricultural ecosystems.
The unexpected appearance of these frogs in Atmakur has not only brought excitement but also sparked interest in local biodiversity. For many young residents, it has become a vivid, living lesson in the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
Nature has its own rhythm, and the bright yellow frogs of Atmakur are a reminder of that. Far from being a simple object of curiosity, they are guardians of ecological harmony – living symbols of the delicate, interwoven cycles of life.
As the rains continue, locals are left with more than just puddles – they're left with wonder, curiosity, and a renewed connection to the vibrant world that surrounds them.
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First Published:
July 21, 2025, 14:48 IST
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