Researchers in Assam discovered exciting new frog species in the Garbhanga Reserve Forest, on the outskirts of Guwahati. The discovery announces the richness of the region and says much about how vital it is to preserve such a habitat. The finding of new frog species indicates the significance of biodiversity in the region and conservation to preserve outstanding species and habitats. With continuing urbanisation extending deeper into natural ranges, there has to be a need to continue to prioritise research and conservation of rural and urban biodiversity.
Scientific study confirms unique frog species in Northeast India
Leptobrachium aryatium's existence was confirmed by a very scientific process. Scientists compared the physical form, DNA, and call of the frog, all verifying the same as a new species. This detailed study is the groundwork where the same can be further researched into the biological diversity of the region.
The species has been named as Leptobrachium aryatium in honour of Arya Vidyapeeth College, an organisation located in Guwahati, which made significant contributions to influence the professional career of scientists participating in the discovery. Students or instructors at some point or another in the college were Dr. Jayaditya Purkayastha, Dr. Dipankar Dutta, Dr. Jayanta Gogoi, and Dr. Saibal Sengupta. They chose to name the genus after the contribution that the college had given towards their studies.
The discovery was detailed in the article published on April 14 in Zootaxa, a renowned, peer-reviewed scientific journal of animal taxonomy in New Zealand.
Research process and the Leptobrachium Smithi contribution
The study of this frog species commenced in the year 2004. The researchers initially believed that the Assam frog was of the Leptobrachium smithi species, which is indigenous to Southeast Asia and Bangladesh too. Because of the absence of information then, they could not determine the species.
The new discoveries of Leptobrachium rakhinense in Myanmar and Leptobrachium sylheticum in Bangladesh provided a substantial quantity of information, and the researchers were able to restudy the Assamese population again. Through an assortment of morphometric, genetic, and bioacoustic analyses, the scientists were able to establish that the Assam frogs represented a different species, and they have named this new species as Leptobrachium aryatium.
Features of new frog species Leptobrachium aryatium
The recently discovered frog species has been named Leptobrachium aryatium. The species is unique due to its flamboyant characteristics like blazing orange-and-black eyes, a reticulated throat pattern, and a smooth, rhythmic nocturnal call. The characteristics render the species identifiable from others.
Does India needs more urban biodiversity
Dr. Purkayastha stated that we have to research urban biodiversity, stating that cities' ecosystems are as diverse as national parks' ecosystems. He noted that within Guwahati, as much complexity as in protected landscapes exists in the urban biodiversity. He stressed the fact that India needs more urban biodiversity research and that we could still lack lots of information in terms of understanding how species in India interact among themselves.
Garbhanga Reserve Forest is not only the home of the newly discovered frog species but also of extremely crucial significance to preserve the natural equilibrium of Guwahati. The forest is thickly inhabited by vegetation and wildlife such as elephants, butterflies, and rare varieties of birds. The forest is also tasked with maintaining the climate and water of the city. But Dr. Purkayastha feared the growing danger from urbanisation and habitat destruction, which imperiled this precious green lung.
Also Read | 6 killer traits that make the king cobra the ‘real king of snakes’
Scientific study confirms unique frog species in Northeast India
Leptobrachium aryatium's existence was confirmed by a very scientific process. Scientists compared the physical form, DNA, and call of the frog, all verifying the same as a new species. This detailed study is the groundwork where the same can be further researched into the biological diversity of the region.
The species has been named as Leptobrachium aryatium in honour of Arya Vidyapeeth College, an organisation located in Guwahati, which made significant contributions to influence the professional career of scientists participating in the discovery. Students or instructors at some point or another in the college were Dr. Jayaditya Purkayastha, Dr. Dipankar Dutta, Dr. Jayanta Gogoi, and Dr. Saibal Sengupta. They chose to name the genus after the contribution that the college had given towards their studies.
The discovery was detailed in the article published on April 14 in Zootaxa, a renowned, peer-reviewed scientific journal of animal taxonomy in New Zealand.
Research process and the Leptobrachium Smithi contribution
The study of this frog species commenced in the year 2004. The researchers initially believed that the Assam frog was of the Leptobrachium smithi species, which is indigenous to Southeast Asia and Bangladesh too. Because of the absence of information then, they could not determine the species.
The new discoveries of Leptobrachium rakhinense in Myanmar and Leptobrachium sylheticum in Bangladesh provided a substantial quantity of information, and the researchers were able to restudy the Assamese population again. Through an assortment of morphometric, genetic, and bioacoustic analyses, the scientists were able to establish that the Assam frogs represented a different species, and they have named this new species as Leptobrachium aryatium.
Features of new frog species Leptobrachium aryatium
The recently discovered frog species has been named Leptobrachium aryatium. The species is unique due to its flamboyant characteristics like blazing orange-and-black eyes, a reticulated throat pattern, and a smooth, rhythmic nocturnal call. The characteristics render the species identifiable from others.
Does India needs more urban biodiversity
Dr. Purkayastha stated that we have to research urban biodiversity, stating that cities' ecosystems are as diverse as national parks' ecosystems. He noted that within Guwahati, as much complexity as in protected landscapes exists in the urban biodiversity. He stressed the fact that India needs more urban biodiversity research and that we could still lack lots of information in terms of understanding how species in India interact among themselves.
Garbhanga Reserve Forest is not only the home of the newly discovered frog species but also of extremely crucial significance to preserve the natural equilibrium of Guwahati. The forest is thickly inhabited by vegetation and wildlife such as elephants, butterflies, and rare varieties of birds. The forest is also tasked with maintaining the climate and water of the city. But Dr. Purkayastha feared the growing danger from urbanisation and habitat destruction, which imperiled this precious green lung.
Also Read | 6 killer traits that make the king cobra the ‘real king of snakes’
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