Minervarya Ghatiborealis

Minervarya Ghatiborealis Latest News

Researchers from the west Maharashtra region recently discovered a new endemic species of frog named ‘Minervarya ghatiborealis’.

About Minervarya Ghatiborealis

• It is a new species of endemic frog.
• It was found at the hill station Mahabaleshwar in the north-western Ghats of Sahyadri in Maharashtra.
• This species is named after the Sanskrit word ‘Ghati’, meaning western, and the Latin word ‘Borealis’, meaning northern region, thus meaning ‘from the north western Ghats’.
• It has been included in the genus Minervarya, commonly known as the ‘Cricket frog’.
  • Frogs of the Minervarya genus are distinguished by the parallel lines on their abdomens. 
  • They nest near standing water or small springs and make noises similar to that of nightingales. 
  • The breeding vocalisation of males differs from other species of the genus. 

Minervarya Ghatiborealis FAQs

Q1. What are endemic species?

Ans. Endemic species are those that are restricted to a geographical area and do not occur naturally in any other part of the world.

Q2. The Western Ghats passes through which states in India?

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Ans. It traverses the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

Q3. Are frogs and toads the same?

Ans. Frogs and toads are both amphibians belonging to the order Anura, but they have distinct differences in their physical traits, habitat preferences, and behavior.

Source: TOI