A team of scientists led by herpetologist S D Biju has identified two new frog species from Arunachal Pradesh, adding to India’s rich amphibian diversity. The discoveries were made in the eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot after extensive field surveys in remote mountain regions. One species has been named after Kerala journalist E Somanath, while the other is named after Mechuka, a town in Arunachal Pradesh.
New Species Identified
- The first species is Leptobrachium soman, commonly called Soman’s Slender Arm Frog.
- The second species is Leptobrachium mechuka, called Mechuka Slender Arm Frog.
- Both species belong to the slender arm frog group.
- The findings were published in the scientific journal PeerJ.
Where They Were Found
Leptobrachium soman was discovered from Tiwarigaon in Arunachal Pradesh. Leptobrachium mechuka was found in evergreen forests and adjoining grasslands near Mechuka. The region is part of the eastern Himalaya, one of the world’s major biodiversity hotspots. The discoveries came after more than three years of expeditions to isolated areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
Distinctive Features
- Soman’s Slender Arm Frog is about 55 mm long.
- It has silver-grey to light blue eyes and a greyish-brown body with light grey patterns.
- Males were observed calling from banks of fast- and slow-flowing streams.
- Mechuka Slender Arm Frog is about 60 mm long.
- It has a uniformly brown body with a reddish tinge and silvery white eyes.
Scientific and Conservation Importance
The discovery marks the ecological significance of Arunachal Pradesh and the need for continued biodiversity surveys in the Himalaya. New amphibian species often indicate specialised habitats and high endemism. Such findings are important for conservation planning, habitat protection, and understanding species distribution in fragile mountain ecosystems.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026