A joint five-year expedition documented five previously unknown horned frogs across remote forests in the eastern Himalayas, publishing the results in *Royal Society Open Science*. Among the findings is the snail-eating horned frog, representing the first frog in India and the first within its taxonomic family observed consuming snails. Genetic analysis confirmed that the species diversified rapidly during the geological formation of the mountain range. Indigenous communities provided essential field guidance that proved vital to uncovering these secretive amphibians.
Key points
The eastern Himalayas played a far more substantial role in driving frog evolution than s…: The eastern Himalayas played a far more substantial role in driving frog evolution than scientists previously understood.
Local tribal knowledge was vital to the expedition, inspiring species names that honor re…: Local tribal knowledge was vital to the expedition, inspiring species names that honor regional indigenous communities.
Further field studies are essential to understand the secretive amphibians and determine…: Further field studies are essential to understand the secretive amphibians and determine appropriate conservation measures.
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Scientists have discovered five new species of tiny horned frogs in India's eastern Himalayas, more than doubling the number of known species in the group.
A team of scientists from University of Delhi and Harvard University made the discoveries after five years of fieldwork, identifying the frogs as members of the Jingophrys group.
Among them is Jingophrys tanogogo - or the snail-eating horned frog - the first frog known in India to feed on snails and the first member of its family recorded with such a diet.
The research suggest the Himalayas have played a much larger role in frog evolution than previously thought and highlight the region as an overlooked hotspot for biodiversity.
The Himalayas, stretching from tropical forests to alpine meadows, are among the world's richest biodiversity regions.
Despite drawing interest from scientists and researchers, many parts here have not been fully explored.
The state of Arunachal Pradesh particularly has emerged as one of its least-studied regions.
Dr Sonali Garg, who led the study at Harvard University's Museum of Comparative Zoology, said the research highlights how…
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