Shillong, May 30 (PTI): A team of researchers has discovered a new species of cascade-dwelling frog in Nagaland, highlighting the rich but unexplored biodiversity of the northeast, officials said on Saturday.
The newly discovered species belongs to the genus Amolops, a group of stream-dwelling frogs typically found in fast-flowing hill streams across Asia, they said.
The discovery was made by researchers from the Zoological Survey of India and collaborating institutions during field surveys in Nagaland.
Lead author Bhaskar Saikia said the species was named after the late Dr. Kamal Choudhury, a zoologist and his former mentor.
The frog species was discovered in Singrep village of Nagaland’s Kiphire district during surveys conducted in August 2024.
Detailed morphological examinations and molecular analyses confirmed that the specimens represented a distinct evolutionary lineage within the Amolops indoburmanensis species complex, he said.
The finding challenges the long-held view that the group comprised a single widespread species, and instead points to the existence of multiple cryptic lineages across northeast India and neighbouring Myanmar, the officials said.
Commenting on the discovery, ZSI Director Dhriti Banerjee said sustained faunal exploration and scientific documentation are essential for understanding and conserving India’s biodiversity.
“The discovery highlights the rich yet understudied faunal diversity of northeast India, and underscores the importance of long-term field surveys in biodiversity hotspots,” she said.
Field expedition leader Bikramjit Sinha said the frog was encountered in a fast-flowing hill stream ecosystem, noting that the rugged landscapes and isolated watersheds of the region continue to harbour poorly known amphibian diversity.
Researchers said the discovery reinforces northeast India’s status as a global hotspot of amphibian diversity and evolution, where isolated mountains, forests and stream systems continue to support unique and endemic species.
