Scientists Identify New Frog Species in Garbhanga Reserve Forest, Assam
Why in News?
- A new frog species named Leptobrachium aryatium has been discovered in Garbhanga Reserve Forest near Guwahati, Assam, highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity and the importance of local scientific research.
Important Key Points:
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New Species Discovered:
A group of herpetologists have discovered a new frog species, Leptobrachium aryatium, in Garbhanga Reserve Forest, a biodiversity hotspot near Guwahati. -
Name & Recognition:
The species is named after Arya Vidyapeeth College, in honor of the researchers’ academic affiliation. -
Unique Characteristics:
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Orange-and-black eyes
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Clear throat markings
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Melodious dusk-time call
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Published in Zootaxa:
The discovery was featured in the April 14 edition of Zootaxa, a reputed international journal from New Zealand focusing on animal taxonomy. -
Research Team:
The team includes Jayaditya Purkayastha, Dipankar Dutta, Jayanta Gogoi, and Saibal Sengupta—all affiliated with Arya Vidyapeeth College as alumni or faculty. -
Reclassification of Earlier Mistake:
Originally misidentified as Leptobrachium smithi in 2004, further study prompted by discoveries in Myanmar and Bangladesh led to reclassification using genetic, morphological, and acoustic analysis. -
Significance:
The discovery underscores the ecological importance of Garbhanga and highlights the need for ongoing biodiversity research in Northeast India.
