Recently, Indian biologists and researchers from the University of Wolverhampton Life Sciences discovered a new amphibian species in the Namdapha-Kamlang wetlands, Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India.
The new frog species has been named Nidirana noadihing, after the Noa-Dihing River, near where the animal was discovered and collected for study.
“ The newly discovered frog species is up to 6cm long, has a horny dorsal ridge and a pale cream-coloured line down the middle of its body, with irregularly shaped and sized spots, ” said Dr Deepak Veerappan, a herpetologist on the research team.
According to this study, Nidirana noadihing has a light brown and pinkish throat, forelimbs, thighs, and lower legs. Its groin and outer thighs are pale yellow with irregular dark patches, and its chest and belly are cream with a yellow tinge.
A species of frog with a unique call has been discovered in the Namdapha-Kamlang region of Arunachal Pradesh, northeast India. (Photo: University of Wolverhampton Life Sciences)
Dr Veerappan added: “ Initially, we heard a call from a swamp near the Noa-Dihing River, which sounded like a duck’s quack, lasting two to three hours, but it was actually the call of the Nidirana noadihing frog, both males and females make this type of call .”
To reach their conclusions, the scientists collected five Nidirana noadihing frogs, including three males and two females. The researchers said that Nidirana noadihing frogs are distinguished from other species by their size, oval toes, the presence of tubercles on their backs, and their strange duck-like calls.
This amphibian lives in swampy areas, with males creating circular pits to attract mates. However, experts’ understanding of the life cycle of the Nidirana noadihing frog is still incomplete. Reproductive behavior, egg laying, and parental care remain enigmatic, creating exciting avenues for further research in the near future.
Huynh Dung
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