Discovery of a new frog species in Western Ghats

Minervarya Pentali, a new species of frog has been discovered from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot which extends along the southwest coast of the Indian peninsula.

Context

Minervarya Pentali, a new species of frog has been discovered from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot which extends along the southwest coast of the Indian peninsula.

About the new frog species

• The discovery was made by studying one of the Indian frogs of genus Minervarya (common name: Minervaryan frogs).
• The new species belongs to the family Dicroglossidae.
• The newly-discovered species is named Minervarya Pentali.
• This species is among the smallest known Minervaryan frogs.
• It is endemic to the southern Western Ghats.
• It is found in multiple localities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu while surveying amphibians during the monsoon season.
• Threats: Habitat loss, modification, and anthropogenic threats can lead to a population decline or complete wiping out of this newly discovered species.
• Significance of the finding: The study resolved the identity and taxonomic status of all known members of genus from peninsular India.
• It clarifying the geographical ranges of species and provides new distribution records based on morphologically and genetically identified samples.
  

Amphibian diversity in the Western Ghats

• Around more than half of nearly 230 species of the all known Indian species (~450 species) are found in the Western Ghats.
• Over 90% of these are endemic to the region.