The Mahabharat torrent frog (Amolops mahabharatensis) is a freshwater stream species found in the mid-hill mountains of Nepal, and was described as a new amphibian species from Nepal in 2020. The species has been recorded from five locations in Nepal: Hattibang, Chitwan; Sabakhola and Dobhan, Sankhuwasabha; Barahkshetra, Sunsari; Pokhara, Kaski; and Latinath, Darchula (Khatiwada et al., 2020).

The species is experiencing habitat degradation and loss, along with over-harvesting throughout its distribution range. This threatens its existence, as indicated by its Vulnerable status on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, 2022). Mountain stream frogs are commonly called paha in Nepal, and people of all ages — from 9- and 10-year-old children to the elderly — participate in paha hunting. Amphibian species are primarily collected for consumption, without knowledge of the population status of the species being taken.

To address this knowledge gap, the Environment Protection and Study Center, with funding support from the German non-profit foundation Stiftung Artenschutz, implemented a one-year project from January 2025 to December 2025 in Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality, in the Chitwan district of Nepal.

The project primarily targeted school students, reaching them through eco-clubs. Its aim was to deepen students' understanding of the importance of amphibians, the population status of local species, and the urgent need to avoid hunting during the breeding season — specifically for threatened species like Amolops mahabharatensis. The program was carried out in close coordination with school administration.

Eco-clubs were initiated at two schools chosen for their proximity to Chepang communities, whose livelihoods are directly connected to natural resources and who are more involved in hunting activities. The selected schools were Rastriya Secondary School (RSS) and Janapriya Secondary School (JSS). At RSS, 56 students aged 10–15 formed the eco-club, with 80% belonging to the Chepang communities. At JSS, 41 students aged 10–17 were involved, with 79% from Chepang communities.

Eco-club members at Rastriya Secondary School gathered for a project session
Eco-club 1 of Rastriya Secondary School. Photo: Rona Vaidya
Eco-club members at Janapriya Secondary School gathered for a project session
Eco-club of Janapriya Secondary School. Photo: Ritika Pathak

The age range within each club was important for long-term sustainability: senior students lead the groups, while exposure for the juniors helps develop the leadership the work will need in the future.

Conservation education was delivered through a mix of classroom and field activities. Within the school premises, students were trained on field safety, handheld GPS (global positioning system) device handling, the conservation status of the species, and the role students themselves can play. Knowledge on cautionary principles in the field, emergencies, and ethics was also delivered in detail.

Students being trained to use a handheld GPS device for field work
Teaching students about GPS navigation. Photo: Pooja Paudel
Students being shown how to use a Vernier caliper for taking field measurements
Teaching students about Vernier caliper. Photo: Pooja Paudel

We used PowerPoint presentations, art, quizzes, and interactive sessions to deliver this content.

Students engaged in art activities exploring amphibian conservation themes
Students involved in art activities. Photo: Sudikshya Dhakal

Later, under the close supervision of school teachers, students were taken into the field.

Eco-club members gathered around a stream pool during a field activity
Eco-club members investigating a stream during a field session. Photo: Pooja Paudel
A researcher measuring an Amolops mahabharatensis with a Vernier caliper during a night survey of the stream
Observing Amolops mahabharatensis on site. Photo: Pooja Paudel

Most trainees pledged to share this conservation message with their families and communities, and to avoid the breeding season for hunting. The enthusiastic participation of the eco-club members toward amphibian conservation may create a positive impact on the sustainable existence of Amolops mahabharatensis, alongside other amphibian species. In the longer arc, this guidance is expected to help students who are involved in paha hunting today transition toward becoming conservationists.

Acknowledgments

This project was carried out with the funding support of Stiftung Artenschutz, Germany. The project team was Pooja Paudel, Ritika Pathak, Rona Vaidya, Prabin Lama, and Sudikshya Dhakal.

References

  1. IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. Amolops mahabharatensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2022). https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/181106111/181579021
  2. Khatiwada, J. R., Shu, G., Wang, B., Zhao, T., Xie, F., & Jiang, J. Description of a new species of Amolops Cope, 1865 (Amphibia: Ranidae) from Nepal and nomenclatural validation of Amolops nepalicus Yang, 1991. Asian Herpetological Research 11, 71–94 (2020). https://doi.org/10.16373/j.cnki.ahr.190052