Leptobrachium Aryatium

Leptobrachium aryatium Latest News

New Frog Species ‘Leptobrachium aryatium’ Discovered in Assam

Why in the News?

• A new species of frog, named Leptobrachium aryatium, has been officially identified after a 21-year-long study.
• The frog was first studied in 2004 but was originally misidentified as Leptobrachium smithi.
• This species was found in the Garbhanga Reserve Forest, located on the southwestern edge of Guwahati, Assam, bordering Meghalaya.
• It lies adjacent to Deepor Beel, a Ramsar site, and forms a crucial part of the Garbhanga-Rani-Deepar Beel elephant corridor, highlighting its importance in regional wildlife movement.
• The frog has been named after Arya Vidyapeeth College, a prominent educational institution in Guwahati, in recognition of its role in transforming the local area from a liquor brewing hub to an educationally respected zone.

Key Biological Features of Leptobrachium aryatium

• Leptobrachium aryatium belongs to the Leptobrachium genus, which includes stocky frogs with broad heads, short hind limbs, and distinctively coloured eyes.
• This new species is notable for its fiery orange-and-black eyes, a reticulated throat pattern, and a rhythmic dusk-time call.
• Scientific confirmation of its status as a new species was done through morphological examination, DNA analysis, and bioacoustic studies (study of call patterns).

Leptobrachium aryatium FAQs

Q1. What is Leptobrachium aryatium?
Ans. Leptobrachium aryatium is a newly discovered species of frog belonging to the family Megophryidae, known for their distinctive broad heads and camouflaged appearance.

Q2. Where was Leptobrachium aryatium discovered?
Ans. This frog species was discovered in the forests of Arunachal Pradesh, India, highlighting the rich amphibian biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas.

Q3. Why is Leptobrachium aryatium ecologically significant?
Ans. Amphibians like Leptobrachium aryatium serve as bioindicators, meaning their health reflects the health of their ecosystems.

Source: TH