New cascade frog species discovered in Nagaland's hill-stream habitats
A team of six scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered a new cascade frog species in Nagaland's Kiphire district, bordering Myanmar, in August 2024. Named Amolops kamal after Kamal Choudhury, a former teacher, its common name is Nagaland cascade frog. Phylogenetic studies confirmed it as a distinct evolutionary lineage within the Amolops indoburmanensis species complex. This discovery highlights the rich, understudied faunal diversity of Northeast India and the importance of long-term field surveys for identifying cryptic species in biodiversity hotspots, contributing to our understanding of amphibian taxonomy.
Key Points
- A new species of cascade frog, Amolops kamal, has been discovered in Nagaland's hill-stream habitats.
- The discovery was made by scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kiphire district.
- The new species is named after Kamal Choudhury and is commonly known as the Nagaland cascade frog.
- This finding underscores the significant biodiversity of Northeast India and the need for further research in the region.
- Molecular data is crucial for delineating species boundaries and identifying hidden species complexes within amphibian genera like Amolops.
Exam Facts
- New species: Amolops kamal (Nagaland cascade frog).
- Discovery location: Kiphire district, Nagaland.
- Discovered by: Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) scientists.
- Named after: Kamal Choudhury.
- Genus: Amolops (comprises 90 recognised species, 20 from India).
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