The subject of discussion recently has been around the identification of a new species of frog in the Western Ghats. This frog is named after renowned former DU Vice-Chancellor and plant geneticist, Deepak Pental. The honor of naming it so comes in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field.
About the New Frog Species
Bearing the name Minervarya Pentali, this frog species belongs to the Dicroglossidae family which is known for its wide variety. The Dicroglossidae family constitutes about 202 species of semiaquatic frogs that are spread across tropical and subtropical regions including Africa, Asia, and Papua New Guinea. Frogs of this family vary greatly in size. For example, the Hoplobatrachus genus under Dicroglossidae family houses large-sized species whereas the Nannophrys genus contains dwarf species measuring around 30 mm in total length.
Origins of the Newly Found Species
The discovery of Minervarya Pentali was made in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. This region stretches along the southwestern coast of the Indian Peninsula, marking itself as the natural habitat of this new species. Interestingly, the species is endemic to the southern parts of the Western Ghats, indicating that it is not found anywhere else. Furthermore, this particular species is among the smallest known frogs in the Minervarya genus.
The Intricacies of Western Ghats
The Western Ghats refer to the mountain ranges running parallel to the western coast of India. They start from Gujarat and extend till Tamil Nadu. Comprising the geography of six Indian states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, these Ghats hold immense ecological significance. In fact, owing to its high biodiversity, the Western Ghats is often referred to as a “Hottest Hotspot”.
Biodiversity of the Western Ghats
The Western Ghats, also known as the Great Escarpment of India, boats of a high degree of biodiversity and endemism. It is home to a wide range of unique species. Adding to its global significance is the fact that the Ghats have been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Apart from an abundant variety of lifeforms, these Ghats are characterized by the presence of evergreen forests, thereby contributing significantly to the ecosystem, and serving as a resource for multiple interesting research and discoveries.
In essence, the discovery of the new Minervarya Pentali frog species reinforces the reputation of the Western Ghats as a rich and unexplored reservoir of unique and diverse lifeforms unraveling more of nature’s marvels.
Source: IE