A newly discovered species of starry dwarf frog, aptly named for its constellation-like markings and a tribute to the Kurichiya tribe of Wayanad, has recently been found in Kerala’s Wayanad district. This unique species has been categorised as the only member of an ancient lineage and a significant branch on the frog tree of life.
The Starry Dwarf Frog: Description and Features
The starry dwarf frog is approximately 2cm to 3cm long and presents a striking contrast in colours. Its dark brown upper body is speckled with pale blue spots reminiscent of constellations, whereas its underbelly is a bright orange. Notably, this nocturnal species camouflages well among wet leaf litter.
Upon scanning its skeletons, scientists have found its physical structure to be utterly unique compared to other frogs of similar size found in Wayanad. Interestingly enough, some of its physical traits, such as the triangular finger and toe tips, are quite similar to frog species in South America and Africa.
However, genetic studies reveal that its closest relatives are the Nycibatrachinae, a group of frogs native to the Western Ghats’ streams, and Sri Lanka’s Lankanectinae species. It is important to note that the starry dwarf frog’s entire life cycle, the sound of its call, and whether it is a threatened or endangered species remain unknown to scientists.
About the Kurichiya Tribe
The starry dwarf frog is named in honour of the Kurichiya Tribe, also known as Malai Brahmins or Hill Brahmins, which is the second-largest adivasi community in the Wayanad district. The tribe is at the top of the caste hierarchy among the hill tribes of Wayanad. They adopted their name, ‘Kurichiya’, from the Kottayam Raja. This name was given due to their expertise in archery, and it stems from the phrase ‘kuri vechavan’, meaning ‘he who took aim’.
The Kurichiya Tribe also finds origins for its name from the ‘kuri’ or sandalwood paste applied traditionally on their foreheads and chests. They are primarily land-owning communities who follow a matrilineal household system. Their farming practices traditionally involved slash and burn (shifting cultivation), known as ‘Punam cultivation’. Additionally, the tribe is known for its unique art form, ‘Nellukuthu Pattu’.
| Facts about Kurichiya Tribe | |
|---|---|
| Community size | Second largest adivasi community in Wayanad |
| Caste hierarchy status | Top of the caste hierarchy among hill tribes |
| Cultivational practices | Slash and burn (Punam cultivation) |
| Traditional art form | Nellukuthu Pattu |
| Genetic relatives of the Starry Dwarf Frog | Nycibatrachinae and Lankanectinae |
Significance of the Starry Dwarf Frog Discovery
India’s biological past tells the story of once being a part of Africa and splitting from Madagascar approximately 89 million years ago before drifting northeast. This long period of isolation as an island allowed new life forms to evolve – possibly even sheltering species that disappeared elsewhere.
The discovery of ancient lineages like Astrobatrachinae, to which the starry dwarf frog belongs, can help to piece together this region’s distant biological history. Finding such lineages may also shed light on the long-standing question of whether peninsular India’s frogs descended from African ancestors or originated from Asia before moving south.
