Guwahati: A remarkable find in the lush Garbhanga Reserve Forest near Guwahati has unveiled a new species of frog, a discovery celebrated for its scientific significance and its heartfelt connection to a prominent educational institution. Scientists have identified the amphibian as Leptobrachium aryatium, a name chosen to honour Arya Vidyapeeth College, a cornerstone of Guwahati’s academic community.
The unique frog was located within the biodiverse Garbhanga Reserve Forest, a crucial green space bordering the city. The research leading to this identification was conducted by a team of herpetologists comprising Jayaditya Purkayastha, Dipankar Dutta, Jayanta Gogoi, and Saibal Sengupta, whose meticulous work has added a new member to the Leptobrachium genus.
According to Dr Jayaditya Purkayastha, the newly identified frog exhibits striking features, including vibrant orange-and-black eyes, an intricate reticulated pattern on its throat, and a distinct, smooth call audible at dusk. Rigorous scientific analysis, encompassing its physical characteristics, genetic makeup, and vocalizations, definitively established it as a species previously unknown to science.
The naming of the frog, Leptobrachium aryatium, carries a deep personal significance for the researchers. Each member of the discovery team shares a connection with Arya Vidyapeeth College, having been either alumni or faculty members at some point in their academic journeys. This naming serves as a sincere tribute to the college and its enduring impact on their scientific development.
Dr Purkayastha further emphasized the importance of the discovery site, stating that the Garbhanga Reserve Forest is not only the habitat of this unique frog but also a vital ecological asset for Guwahati. He highlighted the forest’s rich biodiversity, which includes elephants, butterflies, and rare avian species, and its role in regulating the city’s climate and water resources. He also cautioned against the threats posed by urban expansion and habitat destruction, underscoring the importance of protecting these natural environments, which continue to yield new biological treasures.
The Leptobrachium genus, belonging to the Megophryidae family, is characterized by sturdy frogs with broad heads, relatively short hind limbs, and distinctively coloured eyes. Currently comprising 38 recognized species, the genus has a wide distribution across Southern China, India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. Recent scientific investigations, utilizing both molecular and morphological data, have revealed considerable hidden diversity within this group, leading to the identification of several new species, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Burma region, with Leptobrachium aryatium being the latest addition to this growing list.
Read More: Tensions Rise in Manipur as Meitei Pilgrimage to Thangjing Looms Amidst Kuki-Zo Opposition