Context
Minervarya Pentali, a new species of frog has been discovered from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot which extends along the southwest coast of the Indian peninsula.
About the new frog species
- The discovery was made by studying one of the Indian frogs of genus Minervarya (common name: Minervaryan frogs).
- The new species belongs to the family Dicroglossidae.
- The newly-discovered species is named Minervarya Pentali.
- This species is among the smallest known Minervaryan frogs.
- It is endemic to the southern Western Ghats.
- It is found in multiple localities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu while surveying amphibians during the monsoon season.
- Threats: Habitat loss, modification, and anthropogenic threats can lead to a population decline or complete wiping out of this newly discovered species.
- Significance of the finding: The study resolved the identity and taxonomic status of all known members of genus from peninsular India.
- It clarifying the geographical ranges of species and provides new distribution records based on morphologically and genetically identified samples.
Amphibian diversity in the Western Ghats
- Around more than half of nearly 230 species of the all known Indian species (~450 species) are found in the Western Ghats.
- Over 90% of these are endemic to the region.
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Amphibians
- These are small vertebrates that need water or a moist environment for survival.
- The species in the group include frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts.
- Animals of this group can breathe and absorb water through their very thin skin.
- Amphibians also contain special skin glands to produce useful proteins.
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