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One of the Big Four of Indian Venomous Snakes

Indian Bull Frog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus) is the largest frog in India, can grow more than 6 inches. This species is found throughout most wetland areas of India, Bangladesh and much of northern Pakistan, and is recorded from the southern parts of Nepal, and from upper and northern central Myanmar.

It was once heavily collected for the international frog legs trade. Legal export of this species from the range states of India and Bangladesh has been banned since the mid-1990's.

Loss of wetland habitats due to infrastructure development, human interferences, prolonged drought and water pollution by pesticides and other agrochemicals are now the main threats to the species.

It is included in Schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act. Protection of this species since the mid-1990's has resulted in a rise in numbers, although populations are still considered to be low. At present the species is considered to be locally common throughout much of its South Asian range. However it is predicted that populations might decline in the near future because of habitat loss and water pollution.

It is mostly solitary and nocturnal, inhabiting holes and bushes near permanent water courses and pools (Dutta, 1990). Its diet includes invertebrates, small mammals and birds. Breeding takes place during the monsoon season, when adults congregate at ephemeral rainwater pools. It produces large numbers of eggs, but there are high mortality rates among tadpoles, froglets and adult frogs.