Discovery of New Frog Species

A new species of frog has been discovered in the Western Ghats of India, one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” for biodiversity. The frog, named Raorchestes ghatsensis, was found during a field survey by scientists from the University of Kerala and the Zoological Survey of India. The species was identified based on its unique mating call, coloration, and DNA barcoding. Tiny in size and nocturnal in nature, the frog resides in leaf litter and underbrush of high altitude rainforests. Researchers believe this species plays a crucial role in maintaining the forest's ecological balance, including insect population control. Its discovery adds to the rich amphibian diversity of the Western Ghats, which already host over 180 species of frogs. However, scientists warn that such species are highly vulnerable to habitat loss, deforestation, and climate change. The discovery underscores the importance of continuous biodiversity monitoring and protection of India’s forest ecosystems. The frog’s habitat is under threat due to encroachment for agriculture and infrastructure development. Conservationists have called for the area to be declared an ecological sensitive zone to ensure long term survival of rare species. The study has been published in the journal Zootaxa, with calls for further exploration to uncover other hidden species in the region. Amphibians are often bioindicators, meaning their health reflects the overall condition of the ecosystem. Hence, this discovery is not only a win for taxonomy but a signal for stronger conservation policies.