Three new cascade frog species discovered in Northeast India

Thiruvananthapuram: Scientists have discovered three new species of cascade frogs from the biodiverse-rich forests of Northeast India. One of the new species has been named in honour of the late Kerala social worker and philanthropist Padmini Varkey, affectionately known as ‘Ammachi’ or mother.

The study also records five other cascade frog species documented in India for the first time.The findings were published in the peer-reviewed Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology. Researchers said the work is the culmination of over 15 years of extensive field research across the northeastern States.

The new species named after Varkey is called Ammachi’s Cascade Frog (Amolops ammachi).

Cascade frogs are known for living in fast-flowing streams and waterfalls in hilly regions. The discovery adds to India’s amphibian diversity and highlights the Northeast as a key hotspot for new species.