Why Indian Bullfrogs Turn Yellow During Mumbai’s Monsoon; Aarey Forest Witnesses Annual Breeding Ritual (Video)
The arrival of the monsoon has triggered the annual mating ritual of Indian bullfrogs in Mumbai's Aarey Forest, where males turn bright yellow with blue vocal sacs to attract females. Wildlife enthusiasts documented the seasonal phenomenon after heavy rains, while experts said the colourful display signals the start of the breeding season and the return of biodiversity activity.
With the arrival of the season's first monsoon showers, Mumbai's Aarey Forest has once again come alive with one of nature's most distinctive seasonal events, the annual mating ritual of the Indian bullfrog. Triggered by the onset of the breeding season, male Indian bullfrogs transform from their usual dull olive-green colour to a vivid yellow, while their vocal sacs turn bright blue to attract females.
Wildlife enthusiasts gathered at Aarey Milk Colony early on Thursday, June 25, following heavy rainfall on Tuesday night, June 23, to witness the annual spectacle. Several members of the group had also documented the breeding activity during last year's monsoon. Mumbai Weather Forecast & Update for Today, Saturday, 27 June 2026: Expect Scattered Showers and High Humidity, High of 30°C.
Indian Bullfrogs Turn Bright Yellow As Mating Season Begins in Aarey Forest
Mumbai: Aarey Forest turns yellow as Indian bullfrogs begin mating ritualhttps://t.co/79E5aCczow
Video credit: Mahesh Yadav #mumbai #aareyforest #bullfrog pic.twitter.com/tzHSPYdOGa
— Ranjeet Shamal Bajirao Jadhav (@ranjeetnature) June 27, 2026
Why Indian Bullfrogs Turn Yellow During Mumbai’s Monsoon
Naturalist and wildlife photographer Mahesh Yadav said the appearance of the brightly coloured frogs marks the beginning of an important ecological cycle in Mumbai.
"When Mumbai rains call, Aarey's bullfrogs answer in full colour. The males turn bright yellow during the monsoon mating season, while their vocal sacs become striking blue to attract females and establish dominance," he said. Which Areas Received the Most Rain in Mumbai Till June 24 Morning?
Yadav added that the emergence of large numbers of Indian bullfrogs is a strong indicator that the monsoon has firmly set in and biodiversity hotspots such as Aarey Forest are becoming active once again.
A Brief But Intense Breeding Season
The Indian bullfrog spends several months buried underground in a dormant state before emerging with the first significant monsoon showers to breed. Nature lover Manasi Warde said the mating season is short, making competition among males particularly intense.
"With only a brief breeding window before returning to dormancy, male bullfrogs compete intensely for mates, often outnumbering females. Their calls attract females and warn rival males, leading to fierce competition and fights around a single female," she said. Following the breeding season, the frogs return to their underground dormant state until the next monsoon.
About the Indian bullfrog
According to the Wildlife Institute of India, the Indian bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus) is one of the largest frog species found in the Indian subcontinent. It inhabits wetlands, ponds, marshes and other freshwater habitats across India, Bangladesh, much of northern Pakistan, and parts of Nepal and Myanmar.
The species is well known for its dramatic colour transformation during the breeding season, a natural adaptation that helps males attract mates during the monsoon months.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 27, 2026 03:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
