Scientists have discovered a new frog species from Kozhikode’s Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary.
The frog species, named Mewa Singh’s Night frog, belongs to a genus endemic to the Western Ghats.
The frog has been named after wildlife scientist Mewa Singh, in honour of his contributions to behavioural ecology and primate studies.
About the frog:
It belongs to genus Nyctibatrachus (commonly known as night frogs) endemic only to Western Ghats mountain range.
The frog’s genetically closest relatives are the Athirappilly night frog (found south of the Palakkad Gap in Thrissur and Idukki) and the Kempholey night frog (found in the northern Western Ghats of Kerala and Karnataka).
Significance of this discovery: Frogs in the genus Nyctibatrachus, commonly known as night frogs, are found only in the Western Ghats mountain range. The addition of the Mewa Singh’s night frog to this group brings the total number of night frogs to 36.
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