3 New Frog Species Found In India
Scientists discover three new species of cascade frogs in northeast India, including one named after Kerala social worker Padmini Varkey, and document five other species in the country for the first time
Three new species of cascade frogs have been discovered in northeast India, with one named in honour of Kerala social worker Padmini Varkey. The newly identified species are Ammachi’s Cascade Frog (Amolops ammachi), Sendenyu Cascade Frog (Amolops sendenyu), and Beautiful Cascade Frog (Amolops bella).
The research, led by Prof. S. D. Biju of the Department of Environmental Studies, Delhi University, involved over 15 years of extensive field research across the northeastern states. The study used DNA analyses along with detailed morphological comparisons of adult frogs and tadpoles to confirm the new species.
A. ammachi honours the late Kerala social worker and philanthropist Padmini Varkey, affectionately known as ‘Ammachi’ (or mother), in recognition of her compassion and lifelong service to people in need. The study also reports five cascade frog species that have never before been recorded from India, including Marbled Cascade Frog (Amolops afghanus), Nepal Cascade Frog (Amolops nepalicus), Wangyal’s Cascade Frog (Amolops wangyali), Medog Cascade Frog (A. medogensis), and Pianma Cascade Frog (Amolops bellulus).
The research documented more than 300 geographic populations of cascade frogs inhabiting fast-flowing forest streams. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology.
## Why it matters The discovery reaffirms that many Indian faunal groups remain poorly studied and contain undiscovered biodiversity, especially in the lesser explored northeastern states. The northeastern states are part of two internationally recognised biodiversity hotspots, making the discovery significant for conservation efforts.
The study highlights the importance of extensive field research and DNA analysis in discovering new species. The discovery of these new species will contribute to a better understanding of the biodiversity of the region and inform conservation efforts to protect these unique ecosystems.
