Sphaerotheca varshaabhu

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About Sphaerotheca varshaabhu

It is a new frog species.
Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu, meaning a genus of frog which welcomes rain, has been attributed to its behaviour of coming out of burrows during the early showers.
The newly unearthed amphibian exhibits distinctive characteristics that set it apart from known frog species.
It has adapted to its urban surroundings displaying behaviours and physical attributes that help it navigate challenges posed by urbanization.
The team utilised advanced genetic analysis, morphological studies and bioacoustics to confirm the distinctiveness of this newly discovered amphibian.

Key facts about amphibians

They are extremely sensitive to changes in the environment and can give scientists valuable insight into how an ecosystem is functioning.
Amphibians, like frogs, toads and salamanders, are known as indicator species.
They are both predators and prey; many other animals are affected by them.

Q1) What is an indicator species?

They are a species, or group of species, that reflect the biotic or abiotic state of an environment; reveal evidence for, or the impacts of, environmental change; or indicate the diversity of other species, taxa, or entire communities within an area.

Source: Researchers identify new species of burrowing frog in urban Bengaluru