Leptobrachium Aryatium

Prelims (GS I) – Current events of national and international importance| General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change.

Mains (GS III) – Conservation.

Why in News?

Leptobrachium aryatium, a new-to-science frog recorded from Garbhanga Reserve Forest on the southwestern part of Guwahati bordering Meghalaya.

• Genus – Leptobrachium.
  • It comprising a group of stocky frogs with broad heads, relatively short hind limbs, and distinctively coloured eyes, currently consists of 38 species.
  • It is widely distributed across Southern China and India to islands of the Sunda Shelf and the Philippines.
• Nomenclature –Named to honour Arya Vidyapeeth College’s enduring contribution to education and science.
• Appearance – It has fiery orange-and-black eyes, a unique reticulated throat pattern, and a smooth, rhythmic call at dusk.
• Distinction - Scientific analysis of its appearance, DNA, and call patterns confirmed that this was a previously unknown species.

Garbhanga Reserve Forest

• It is located southwest of Guwahati, near the Assam-Meghalaya border.
• The forest is dominated by evergreen and deciduous trees, bamboo groves, and medicinal plants.
• Notable species - Hoolock Gibbon, Leopards, Elephants, Deer species (barking deer and sambar deer), Various reptiles and amphibians (Rare frogs, snakes, and monitor lizards).
• Threats – Poaching, Timber smuggling, and illegal mining.

Reference

The Hindu | Leptobrachium aryatium