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.