New Frog Species Discovered In India’s Wastelands

The amphibian, named after the laterite rock formations where it was found, could be used to draw attention to the ecological importance of the area.

AsianScientist (Mar. 17, 2016) – A team of researchers from India and Singapore has discovered a new species of narrow-mouthed frog in the laterite rock formations of India’s coastal plains. The frog, which is the size of a thumbnail, was named Microhyla laterite after its natural habitat. Details of the discovery were published in PLOS ONE.

Laterite rock formations are prominent landscape features in the coastal plains of southwest India. They are broadly considered as rocky areas as they are usually devoid of trees and other vegetation, and are therefore classified as wastelands. These areas are often used for dumping activities and are heavily mined for construction materials in the form of bricks.

While conducting field surveys, independent researcher Mr. Ramit Singal, one of the authors, spotted the frog in laterite habitats in and around the coastal town of Manipal, Udupi District, Karnataka State, India. He brought it to the attention of lead author and PhD student, Mr. Seshadri K S from the Department of Biological Sciences at the National University of Singapore, and his collaborators, who worked together to describe the frog.

The frog, which measures around 1.6 centimeters, is pale brown with prominent black markings on its dorsum, hands, feet and flanks. It has a call that can be easily mistaken for that of a cricket.

To ensure the validity of the frog as a new species, Seshadri and his team members studied the genes, body structure, coloration and vocalizations of four individual frogs. They also compared the results with data of closely related species.

“One could easily confuse this frog with other species like Microhyla ornata, which is thought to occur all over India. However, it was evident from analyzing the genes that M. laterite is a distinct species, and is closely related to M. sholigari, which is found only in the Western Ghats,” said co-author Mrs. Priti Hebbar.

“All three species are small and similar in appearance and only a critical examination would reveal the differences,” she added.

The research team suggested Laterite narrow-mouthed frog to be its common name, as frogs in the Microhyla genus have a smaller mouth compared to other frogs.

“By naming the frog after its habitat, we hope to draw attention to the endangered rock formations that are of ecological importance. M. laterite can potentially be used as a mascot to change peoples’ perception about laterite areas,” said Seshadri.



The article can be found at: Seshadri et al. (2016) Microhyla Laterite sp. nov., A New Species of Microhyla Tschudi, 1838 (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae) from a Laterite Rock Formation in South West India.

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Source: National University of Singapore; Photo: Ramit Singal.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.

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