Scientists from the University of Delhi and Harvard University have identified five new species of tiny horned frogs in the eastern Himalayas, a discovery that more than doubles the known species within the Jingophrys group. The findings were detailed in a study published on 11 November in the Royal Society Open Science journal, according to Nile Post. The team conducted five years of fieldwork to classify these amphibians, revealing that the Himalayan region plays a far larger role in frog evolution than previously understood.
Among the newly classified species is Jingophrys tanogogo, commonly known as the snail-eating horned frog. This species is notable for being the first frog in India recorded with a diet consisting primarily of snails, and the first member of its family to exhibit such feeding habits. The research suggests that the rapid diversification of these frogs occurred as the mountain range rose and the Asian monsoon system developed over millions of years. DNA analysis confirmed that these evolutionary changes drove the development of regional plant and wildlife diversity.
The study was led by Dr. Sonali Garg of Harvard University’s Museum of Comparative Zoology, alongside colleagues James Hanken, SD Biju, Tage Tajo, and Radhakrishna Upadhyaya K. The team emphasized that many parts of the Himalayas, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, remain among the least-studied regions globally. Dr. Garg noted that significant evolutionary changes can go unnoticed in little-studied species, highlighting the importance of continued exploration in these remote areas. The study itself is titled the two-fold hidden diversity of diminutive horned frogs.
Local indigenous communities provided essential field support and knowledge that facilitated the discoveries. Several of the new species have been named in honor of these tribes. For instance, Jingophrys taniitatii, the Tanii horned frog, combines the name of the Tanii tribe with 'tatti,' the word for frog in the local Apatani language. Other species identified include the Siang horned frog, Hrdy's horned frog, and Wu-Larson's horned frog. Researchers stated that further studies are required to understand the biology and conservation needs of these secretive amphibians, which are often only visible during short breeding seasons in remote forests.