12 New Frog Species Discovered in India

The efforts of scientists through the tropical mountain forests in India have found 12 new frog species and three frog species thought extinct. These findings provide new hope for the protection of wildlife species of this amphibian.

The meowing night frog-voiced like a cat or nyctibatrachus poocha. (Picture from: bihardays.com)

The Kempholey night frog or nyctibatrachus kempholeyensis. (Picture from: wired.com)

The new frog species including the meowing night frog-voiced like a cat; night frog sticky, with male and female eggs after each other; and Wayanad night frog, which could be the size of baseballs. Coorg night frog, who allegedly became extinct, the last time was found and studied about 91 years ago. Kempholey night frog, also allegedly became extinct, the last time was found and studied about 74 years ago.

The Jogs night frog or nyctibatrachus jog. (Picture from: wired.com)

The Gavi night frog or nyctibatrachus gavi. (Picture from: wired.com)

All the frogs were spotted in a region known as the Western Ghats, a mountain range than runs along the western coast of India that has been identified as one of the ten hottest biodiversity hotspots in the world. Because of the small area they occupy, at least six of the new species are sensitive to habitat loss and will require immediate steps toward conservation.

The Wayanad night frog or nyctibatrachus grandis. (Picture from: wired.com)

The Coorg night frog or nyctibatrachus sanctipalustris. (Picture from: wired.com)

Global Institute for Wildlife Conservation states, 32 percent of amphibian populations worldwide are threatened with extinction. The source of the threat comes from habitat destruction and environmental pollution. "The frog became the most important clues not only for climate change, but also pollutants and environmental conditions," said biologist from the University of Delhi, Sathyabhama Das Biju. The findings appeared in the journal Zootaxa on Sept. 15.*** [FOXNEWS | WIRED.COM | ANTON WILLIAM | KORAN TEMPO 3653]

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