Indian Bullfrogs Turn Bright Yellow for Annual Mating Ritual in Mumbai Aarey Forest

Male Indian bullfrogs in Mumbai's Aarey Forest, also known as Aarey Milk Colony, have transitioned from their usual dull olive-green to a vibrant bright yellow as part of their annual monsoon mating ritual. The biological color change, which occurred in late June 2026 following the season's first heavy rains, is a key mating strategy used by the male frogs to attract female mates during their breeding season.

The striking transformation was observed by a group of local wildlife enthusiasts who visited the Aarey Milk Colony early on Thursday morning. The group's visit was prompted by heavy rainfall on Tuesday night, which successfully triggered the frogs' annual breeding activity in the forest's wet areas.

Under normal circumstances throughout the year, these Indian bullfrogs maintain a dull olive-green coloration that provides natural camouflage in their habitat. However, the arrival of the first monsoon showers of the season serves as a biological trigger for the species. In response, the male frogs undergo a rapid physical shift to a vivid yellow color, making them highly visible to potential female mates.

Some members of the visiting wildlife group had previously documented this unique mating ritual in the same Aarey Forest location last year. The annual spectacle continues to draw interest from local nature observers who monitor Mumbai's urban wildlife during the wet season.

The colorful display was documented in photographs captured by Mahesh Yadav and Manasi Warde, who recorded the male bullfrogs gathered in the forest during the breeding event.