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Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
2 new Raorchestes frog species found in Meghalaya, named after Khasi culture
Shillong: Two new species of bush frogs — Raorchestes jadoh and Raorchestes jakoid — were discovered by a team of researchers in Meghalaya. A team of researchers from Assam Don Bosco University, Help Earth, and Mizoram University found the frogs --- Raorchestes jadoh and Raorchestes jakoid --- in Meghalaya. (Sourced) The researchers from Assam Don Bosco University, Help Earth, and Mizoram University found the frogs throwing a spotlight on Meghalaya's rich but still largely untapped amphibian diversity. Holiness Warjri, a researcher from Assam Don Bosco University, discovered Raorchestes jadoh at an elevation of 1,655 metres in his village, Langtor, in the Eastern West Khasi Hills. 'Discovering a new species in my own village is both humbling and inspiring. Naming it jadoh—a dish that brings our Khasi families together—was my way of honouring the deep bond between our culture, land, and nature. I hope this frog becomes a symbol of pride for our people,' Warjri said. Also read: Schistura Densiclav: New species of cave-dwelling fish found in Meghalaya Raorchestes jakoid was discovered in Lawbah, East Khasi Hills district, at an elevation of 815 metres. Jakoid derives from the Khasi word for frog. 'This nomenclature honours the Khasi community's rich linguistic and culinary traditions and reinforces the role of indigenous knowledge in conservation,' said the researchers. Also Read: Scientists discover new species of cricket frog in Western Ghats Both frogs belong to the Raorchestes genus—small, tree-dwelling frogs known for their direct development, skipping the tadpole stage entirely—native to the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. They are part of the Raorchestes parvulus species complex. With these two, seven species of frogs have been documented in the state. Also Read: Pune scientist central to discovery of four new species of parasitic wasps Both frogs were found in disturbed or secondary habitats—close to human settlements—suggesting a degree of ecological tolerance. But researchers cautioned that this does not ensure long-term survival, especially in a region facing rapid habitat loss due to fragmentation and land-use change.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Two bush frog species discovered in Meghalaya, named after Khasi culture
Guwahati: bridge both the sentences - Two new species of bush frogs have been discovered in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. The discovered species were named 'Raorchestes jakoid' and 'Raorchestes jadoh' as a tribute to the Khasi way of life. The term 'jakoid' means 'frog' in the Khasi language, while 'jadoh' is a traditional rice and meat dish widely loved in Khasi households. The naming was a way of celebrating Khasi culture and drawing attention to the close links between indigenous communities and biodiversity. Raorchestes jakoid was discovered in Lawbah, while Raorchestes jadoh was found in Langtor. These frogs were located in bushes and trees near human settlements, indicating a degree of ecological adaptability, although their habitats remain vulnerable to rapid landscape changes. A study on the discovery was published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa. Lead author Holiness Warjri, a native of Langtor village, shared an emotional connection with the discovery. 'Discovering a new species in my own village of Langtor is both humbling and inspiring. Naming it 'jadoh'—a dish that brings our Khasi families together - was my way of honouring the deep bond between our culture, land, and nature. I hope this frog becomes a symbol of pride and conservation for our people,' Warjri said.
