New cascade frog species discovered in Nagaland

Kohima: A new-to-science cascade frog species has been recorded from Kiphire district in Nagaland, researchers said.

The frog has been named Amolops kamal in honour of the mentor of one of the six scientists involved in the study. Cascade frogs, belonging to the genus Amolops, are typically found in fast-flowing hill streams across Asia. The discovery adds to Nagaland’s growing record of amphibian diversity and highlights the ecological significance of the state’s eastern hill ranges.

Details of the species, including its morphology and habitat, were published following field surveys in Kiphire. The team of six researchers carried out the study that led to the identification.

The find underscores the need for continued biodiversity documentation in the Northeast, where several new amphibian species have been reported in recent years.