Studied over 21 years, new species of frog named after Assam college, Pg20

New frog species Leptobrachium aryatium discovered in Garbhanga Reserve Forest, Guwahati.

Named after Arya Vidyapeeth College, a prominent local institution.

Identified by fiery orange-and-black eyes, reticulated throat pattern, and rhythmic dusk call.

DNA and call patterns confirmed it as a previously unknown species.

Earlier mistaken as Leptobrachium smithi.

Discovery took 21 years of research by four zoologists:

Jayaditya Purkayastha (Help Earth, Guwahati)

Dipankar Dutta (University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya)

Jayanta Gogoi (Arya Vidyapeeth College)

Saibal Sengupta (Don Bosco University)

Published in Zootaxa journal.

Belongs to the genus Leptobrachium:

38 known species globally

Found across Southern China, India, Sunda Shelf, Philippines

Sheds light on cryptic diversity in the Indo-Burma region.

Reaffirms India’s biodiversity richness, especially in northeastern ecological zones.

Raises awareness about the Garbhanga Reserve Forest, a biodiversity hotspot facing threats from urban sprawl and habitat destruction.

The naming of the species highlights the interplay between scientific heritage and local identity.

Points to the need for long-term ecological monitoring and protection of lesser-known reserves like Garbhanga.

Recommends investment in taxonomic research, especially amid growing environmental degradation.

Mains Mock Question:

“New species discoveries highlight the ecological richness of India’s lesser-known forests. Discuss the significance of such discoveries for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.”