New Species of Horned Frog Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh, India

SHILLONG, JULY 3:  A team of researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI),

Shillong, in collaboration with their colleagues from ZSI, Pune and ZSI, Itanagar, has

discovered a new species of forest dwelling horned frog from the Tale Wildlife Sanctuary in

Arunachal Pradesh, India. Named Xenophrys apatani, the discovery marks a significant

addition to India’s herpeto-faunal diversity.

 

The study, led by Bhaskar Saikia and Bikramjit Sinha of the ZSI, Shillong, included K. P.

Dinesh and A. Shabnam of ZSI, Pune and Ilona Jacinta Kharkongor of ZSI, Itanagar. This

finding overturns an earlier erroneous report of the Maoson horned frog (Xenophrys

maosonensis) in India reported by researchers of ZSI, Shillong in 2019. The revised

conclusion regarding the identity of the species was done after further analysis revealed

substantial genetic disparities between the Indian specimen and X. maosonensis from

Vietnam and China, prompting a re-evaluation.

 

This discovery of Xenophrys apatani underscores India's rich biodiversity and highlights the

importance of rigorous taxonomic studies in understanding our natural heritage. The new frog

species is named after the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, which predominantly reside in

the Lower Subansiri Valley of Arunachal Pradesh (where Tale WLS is located) and in

recognition of their ingenuity in conservation of wild flora and fauna.

 

The researchers also provided insights into the biogeographic distribution of Xenophrys

species in India, which are distributed along the Eastern Himalayas and Indo-Burma

biodiversity hotspots of the country. The findings are expected to guide future conservation

efforts and enhance understanding of amphibian evolution in the region.

 

This is the same research team that had made the discovery of the Siju Cascade Frog

(Amolops siju) from Siju Cave in South Garo Hills, last year.

 

About Zoological Survey of India:

The Zoological Survey of India is the apex body in India for the study and documentation of

animal diversity. With regional centres across the country, it plays a crucial role in

biodiversity conservation and taxonomic research.

 

For more details on the discovery and species description, please refer to the research article

published in the current edition of the journal, Records of the Zoological Survey of India.

 

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