https://500px.com/aashutoshshinde

Ashutosh Shinde Photography, K C Marg, Mumbai (2026)

26/07/2026

Winged gliding frog (Rhacophorus lateralis)
On our macro photography trip to Wayanad, we were fortunate to document both the green and brown morphs of the Winged Gliding Frog (Rhacophorus lateralis) — a vulnerable species of the Western Ghats. This rare amphibian is known for its ability to change colors and for its unique breeding strategy of building leaf nests above ground. Endemic to the Ghats and rediscovered only in 2000 after decades of absence, it remains threatened by habitat loss. Capturing both morphs was not just photography, but a glimpse into the fragile resilience of rainforest life. 🌧️🌿✨
Key Facts about Rhacophorus lateralis
Conservation Status: Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)
Distribution: Endemic to the Western Ghats (southern Karnataka and northern Kerala, including Wayanad)
Morphs: Exhibits green and brown color variations, sometimes even within the same individual. Green morphs often show fine sky blue spots, while brown morphs have darker brown markings.
Unique Feature: Builds leaf nests above ground for egg laying, similar to the Malabar Gliding Frog (Rhacophorus malabaricus).
Rediscovery: Originally described in 1883, but rediscovered only in 2000 in Coorg after decades of being unreported.
Threats: Habitat loss due to agriculture, pesticide use, and deforestation are major risks to its survival.

[WildlifePhotography, NaturePhotography, MacroPhotography, HerpingTrip, AmphibiansOfIndia, ReptilesOfIndia, BiodiversityHotspot, RainforestExploration, WildIndia, ExploreWild, NatureLovers, IncredibleIndia, WesternGhats, MonsoonMagic, IndianWildlife, JungleDiaries, IntoTheWild, AdventureInNature, HiddenGemsOfIndia, MacroWorld, WildEncounters, TheUntamedIndia, NatureInFocus, PlanetEarth, MacroPhotography, TinyWonders, RainSoakedBeauty, Wayanad, WesternGhats, KeralaWildlife, BiodiversityHotspot, RainforestExploration, WildlifePhotography, NaturePhotography, MacroMagic, UntamedWilderness, IncredibleIndia, ExploreWild, NatureLovers, WildlifePlanet, MonsoonVibes, SmallWorldBigStories, FrogsofIndia]

25/07/2026

Malabar Gliding frog (Rhacophorus malabaricus)
Photographed in the rainforests of Wayanad, the Malabar Gliding Frog (Rhacophorus malabaricus) is a true marvel of the Western Ghats. Known for its ability to leap and glide up to 10 meters using its bright orange‑red toe webbing, this frog is one of the largest moss frogs, reaching nearly 10 cm in length. Its vivid green body and striking eyes make it a favorite among macro photographers.
During the monsoon, these frogs descend from the canopy to breed, laying eggs on leaves overhanging water so that tadpoles can drop safely below. Endemic to India and recognized as the State Amphibian of Kerala, the Malabar Gliding Frog is a symbol of the incredible biodiversity of the Ghats and a reminder of the importance of conserving these fragile habitats. 📸🐸✨
Some Key facts
Scientific name: Rhacophorus malabaricus
Distribution: Western Ghats (Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu)
Size: Up to 10 cm, females larger than males
Unique feature: Can glide 9–12 meters using toe webbing
Breeding season: Monsoon months (June–September)
Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1), but habitat loss is a threat

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23/07/2026

Glandular Bush Frog (Raorchestes glandularis)
During my trip to Wayanad, I encountered the Glandular Bush Frog (Raorchestes glandularis) — a vulnerable species listed under IUCN 3.1. Endemic to the Western Ghats, this delicate amphibian is known for its distinct glandular skin texture and its soft, melodic calls that echo through the monsoon nights.
What makes this frog truly remarkable is its adaptability to the rainforest canopy, where its cryptic coloration helps it blend seamlessly with leaves. Yet, despite its resilience, habitat loss and climate change threaten its fragile existence. Capturing this rare beauty was more than photography — it was a reminder of the urgent need to protect the hidden wonders of our rainforests. 🌧️🌿✨

[WildlifePhotography, NaturePhotography, MacroPhotography, HerpingTrip, AmphibiansOfIndia, ReptilesOfIndia, BiodiversityHotspot, RainforestExploration, WildIndia, ExploreWild, NatureLovers, IncredibleIndia, WesternGhats, MonsoonMagic, IndianWildlife, JungleDiaries, IntoTheWild, AdventureInNature, HiddenGemsOfIndia, MacroWorld, WildEncounters, TheUntamedIndia, NatureInFocus, PlanetEarth, MacroPhotography, TinyWonders, RainSoakedBeauty, Wayanad, WesternGhats, KeralaWildlife, BiodiversityHotspot, RainforestExploration, WildlifePhotography, NaturePhotography, MacroMagic, UntamedWilderness, IncredibleIndia, ExploreWild, NatureLovers, WildlifePlanet, MonsoonVibes, SmallWorldBigStories, FrogsofIndia]

22/07/2026

Ochlandrae reed frog (Raorchestes ochlandrae)

During my recent exploration in the rainforests of Wayanad, I encountered another striking variety of the Ochlandrae Reed Frog. This tiny amphibian, endemic to the Western Ghats, revealed its delicate patterns and vibrant hues as I photographed it from multiple angles. Each perspective highlighted a different facet — the glossy eyes, the intricate markings, and the way it blends seamlessly with the lush green leaves. Documenting this rare species through varied frames not only adds to its visual story but also emphasizes the fragile beauty of amphibians thriving in these monsoon kissed forests. 🌿📸✨

[WildlifePhotography, NaturePhotography, MacroPhotography, HerpingTrip, AmphibiansOfIndia, ReptilesOfIndia, BiodiversityHotspot, RainforestExploration, WildIndia, ExploreWild, NatureLovers, IncredibleIndia, WesternGhats, MonsoonMagic, IndianWildlife, JungleDiaries, IntoTheWild, AdventureInNature, HiddenGemsOfIndia, MacroWorld, WildEncounters, TheUntamedIndia, NatureInFocus, PlanetEarth, MacroPhotography, TinyWonders, RainSoakedBeauty, Wayanad, WesternGhats, KeralaWildlife, BiodiversityHotspot, RainforestExploration, WildlifePhotography, NaturePhotography, MacroMagic, UntamedWilderness, IncredibleIndia, ExploreWild, NatureLovers, WildlifePlanet, MonsoonVibes, SmallWorldBigStories, FrogsofIndia]

19/07/2026

Unusual Love Story

In the mist‑laden rainforests of Wayanad, the Indrella Snail (Indrella ampulla), also known as Red Giant snail, reveals one of nature’s most extraordinary rituals. Unlike most snails that mate side‑by‑side, these giants embrace in a rare ‘face‑to‑face’ posture, aligning their bodies directly to exchange life itself.
What makes this moment even more remarkable is their hermaphroditic nature — each snail carries both male and female organs. In this intimate exchange, both fertilize and both can become pregnant at the same time, ensuring survival in the damp silence of the Western Ghats.
This mirrored union is more than reproduction; it is a living testament to the rainforest’s resilience and mother nature's creation. 🌧️🌿✨

Join me this monsoon to another beautiful bio diversity hotspot of Western
Ghats, a place which is more than Sand and Beaches, Goa. Check the link shared in Bio for more details. We have only 1 seat left.

[WildlifePhotography, NaturePhotography, MacroPhotography, HerpingTrip, AmphibiansOfIndia, ReptilesOfIndia, BiodiversityHotspot, RainforestExploration, WildIndia, ExploreWild, NatureLovers, IncredibleIndia, WesternGhats, MonsoonMagic, IndianWildlife, JungleDiaries, IntoTheWild, AdventureInNature, HiddenGemsOfIndia, MacroWorld, WildEncounters, TheUntamedIndia, NatureInFocus, PlanetEarth, Ladybug, MacroPhotography, InsectWorld, TinyWonders, RainSoakedBeauty, Wayanad, WesternGhats, KeralaWildlife, BiodiversityHotspot, RainforestExploration, WildlifePhotography, NaturePhotography, MacroMagic, UntamedWilderness, HerpingTrip, IncredibleIndia, ExploreWild, NatureLovers, WildlifePlanet, MonsoonVibes, SmallWorldBigStories, NaturalHistory, BBCearth, Discovery, AnimalPlanet]

18/07/2026

In the monsoon rainforest of Wayanad, the Variable Bush Frog inflated its vocal sac, calling for a mate. But when an insect appeared, instinct shifted — hunger over romance. The strike was swift, the escape swifter. A fleeting drama of survival, captured through the lens of the Canon R6M3, the latest beast in mirrorless mastery. 🌧️📸✨

[WildlifePhotography, NaturePhotography, MacroPhotography, HerpingTrip, AmphibiansOfIndia, ReptilesOfIndia, BiodiversityHotspot, RainforestExploration, WildIndia, ExploreWild, NatureLovers, IncredibleIndia, WesternGhats, MonsoonMagic, IndianWildlife, JungleDiaries, IntoTheWild, AdventureInNature, HiddenGemsOfIndia, MacroWorld, WildEncounters, TheUntamedIndia, NatureInFocus, PlanetEarth, Ladybug, MacroPhotography, InsectWorld, TinyWonders, RainSoakedBeauty, Wayanad, WesternGhats, KeralaWildlife, BiodiversityHotspot, RainforestExploration, WildlifePhotography, NaturePhotography, MacroMagic, UntamedWilderness, HerpingTrip, IncredibleIndia, ExploreWild, NatureLovers, WildlifePlanet, MonsoonVibes, SmallWorldBigStories, InsectWorld, TinyWonders, RainSoakedBeauty]

18/07/2026

Look at this beauty from the western ghats of kerala, The Rhacophorus lateralis — green morph — a rare endemic of the Western Ghats. 🌍🐸🌧️
Each sighting is a reminder of why these rainforests must be protected

[WildlifePhotography, NaturePhotography, MacroPhotography, HerpingTrip, AmphibiansOfIndia, ReptilesOfIndia, BiodiversityHotspot, RainforestExploration, WildIndia, ExploreWild, NatureLovers, IncredibleIndia, WesternGhats, MonsoonMagic, IndianWildlife, JungleDiaries, IntoTheWild, AdventureInNature, HiddenGemsOfIndia, MacroWorld, WildEncounters, TheUntamedIndia, NatureInFocus, PlanetEarth, Ladybug, MacroPhotography, InsectWorld, TinyWonders, RainSoakedBeauty, Wayanad, WesternGhats, KeralaWildlife, BiodiversityHotspot, RainforestExploration, WildlifePhotography, NaturePhotography, MacroMagic, UntamedWilderness, HerpingTrip, IncredibleIndia, ExploreWild, NatureLovers, WildlifePlanet, MonsoonVibes, SmallWorldBigStories, InsectWorld, TinyWonders, RainSoakedBeauty]

15/07/2026

In the rain‑drenched forests of Wayanad, the Tiger Beetle gleams like a living jewel — iridescent armor, fierce mandibles, and untamed energy. A predator cloaked in colors of fire and metal, it embodies the raw drama of the Western Ghats’ monsoon wilderness.🪲🌧️🌿

[WildlifePhotography, NaturePhotography, MacroPhotography, HerpingTrip, AmphibiansOfIndia, ReptilesOfIndia, BiodiversityHotspot, RainforestExploration, WildIndia, ExploreWild, NatureLovers, IncredibleIndia, WesternGhats, MonsoonMagic, IndianWildlife, JungleDiaries, IntoTheWild, AdventureInNature, HiddenGemsOfIndia, MacroWorld, WildEncounters, TheUntamedIndia, NatureInFocus, PlanetEarth, Ladybug, MacroPhotography, InsectWorld, TinyWonders, RainSoakedBeauty, Wayanad, WesternGhats, KeralaWildlife, BiodiversityHotspot, RainforestExploration, WildlifePhotography, NaturePhotography, MacroMagic, UntamedWilderness, HerpingTrip, IncredibleIndia, ExploreWild, NatureLovers, WildlifePlanet, MonsoonVibes, SmallWorldBigStories, InsectWorld, TinyWonders, RainSoakedBeauty]

12/07/2026

Amid the monsoon drizzle of Wayanad, even the tiniest wanderer shines like a jewel. This rain‑soaked beetle resting on a leaf mirrors the rhythm of the rainforest — vibrant, resilient, and alive. In the Western Ghats, every drop tells a story of survival and beauty. 🐞🍃✨

[WildlifePhotography NaturePhotography MacroPhotography HerpingTrip AmphibiansOfIndia ReptilesOfIndia BiodiversityHotspot RainforestExploration WildIndia ExploreWild NatureLovers IncredibleIndia WesternGhats MonsoonMagic IndianWildlife JungleDiaries IntoTheWild AdventureInNature HiddenGemsOfIndia MacroWorld WildEncounters TheUntamedIndia NatureInFocus PlanetEarth Ladybug MacroPhotography InsectWorld TinyWonders RainSoakedBeauty Wayanad WesternGhats KeralaWildlife BiodiversityHotspot RainforestExploration WildlifePhotography NaturePhotography MacroMagic UntamedWilderness HerpingTrip IncredibleIndia ExploreWild NatureLovers WildlifePlanet MonsoonVibes SmallWorldBigStories]

11/07/2026

In the mist‑kissed rainforests of Wayanad, I encountered Ochlandrae Reed Frog — a beautiful gem of the Western Ghats. Each frame captured its delicate presence amidst the reeds, a reminder of the fragile yet vibrant biodiversity thriving in these monsoon‑soaked forests. Sharing this endemic wonder through my lens is a tribute to the untamed small world that often goes unseen.” 🐸📸✨

[WildlifePhotography NaturePhotography MacroPhotography HerpingTrip AmphibiansOfIndia ReptilesOfIndia BiodiversityHotspot RainforestExploration WildIndia ExploreWild NatureLovers IncredibleIndia WesternGhats MonsoonMagic IndianWildlife JungleDiaries IntoTheWild AdventureInNature HiddenGemsOfIndia MacroWorld WildEncounters TheUntamedIndia NatureInFocus PlanetEarth]

Ashutosh Shinde Photography

26/07/2026

25/07/2026

23/07/2026

22/07/2026

19/07/2026

18/07/2026

18/07/2026

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