‘Large'-tongued creature found in water tank at India home. It's a new species

Miami Herald

2 days ago

In a city of northeastern India, a 'large'-tongued creature with 'fluorescent green' sides perched inside a water tank, but its hiding spot wasn't quite hidden enough.
Visiting scientists spotted the colorful animal — and discovered a new species.
A team of researchers visited several sites in Meghalaya state between 2022 and 2024 as part of a project to 'document the amphibian diversity,' according to a study published May 30 in the peer-reviewed journal Records of the Zoological Survey of India.
While in the city of Shillong, researchers found three 'cryptic'-looking frogs, the study said. Intrigued, they took a closer look at the frogs, analyzed their DNA and realized they'd discovered a new species: Amolops shillong, or the Shillong cascade frog.
Shillong cascade frogs vary in size. Males are considered 'medium'-sized, reaching just over 2 inches long, while females are considered 'very large,' reaching over 3 inches long, the study said. Both have 'bluntly pointed' snouts, 'large' tongues, 'long' legs and 'weak' arms.
Photos show the coloring of the new species. Although varying in intensity, the frogs generally have 'dark brown' bodies 'with mottled fluorescent green patterns' on their sides, researchers said.
Two male Shillong cascade frogs were found at a 'homestead' and 'water tank located nearby' within 'a densely populated urban habitat,' the study said. 'Both specimens were collected over a year (apart) from the same location, indicating their adaptation to a (human-modified) habitat.'
The female Shillong cascade frog was found near a stream 'resting on a rock,' researchers said. 'It exhibited remarkable jumping behaviour, showcasing exceptional agility. Its robust movements and quick reflexes made collecting it a challenging task. Even after capture, the frog remained highly active, persistently jumping inside the jar, and demonstrating strong stamina.'
Researchers said they named the new species after the area where it was discovered and, so far, the only area where it has been found. Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya state in northeastern India.
Shillong cascade frogs are considered 'edible' and sometimes 'harvested from the wild for its meat,' which 'contributes to the increased threat to its population,' researchers said.
The new species was identified by its size, snout shape, body proportions, coloring and other subtle physical features, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had at least 2% genetic divergence from related species.
The research team included Bhaskar Saikia, Bikramjit Sinha, A. Shabnam, Eugene Lyngkhoi, Damepaia S. M. Pdah and K. P. Dinesh.