Scientists of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have discovered 13 new species of bush frogs (genus Raorchestes) across the Northeast, marking one of the highest numbers of vertebrate species described in a single publication in over a decade.

Key Highlights of the Discovery

• The discovery includes 6 species from Arunachal Pradesh, 3 from Meghalaya, and 1 each from Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur.
• The study integrates acoustics, genetics, and morphological analysis, representing the modern standard of integrative taxonomy.
• Prior to this, 82 species of bush frogs were known from India; the number has now risen to 95.
• The survey covered 81 locations across 8 states, including 25 Protected Areas, making it one of the most extensive amphibian surveys in the region.
• The work was supported by the National Geographic Society and the Meghalaya Biodiversity Board.
  

Some of Newly Discovered Species 

• Raorchestes barakensis – Barail WLS, Assam
• Raorchestes lawngtalaiensis – Ngengpui WLS, Mizoram
• Raorchestes arunachalensis, R. dibangensis – Arunachal Pradesh
• Raorchestes narpuhensis, R. mawsynramensis – Meghalaya
• Raorchestes khonoma – Nagaland
• Raorchestes monolithus – Manipur
  

These tiny frogs are often locally known for their “tik-tik” call, making acoustic data important for identification.

Why the Discovery Matters

• Biodiversity Hotspot: Northeast India lies within the Indo-Burma and Eastern Himalaya hotspots—regions rich in endemic species.
• Ecological Indicators: Frogs are sensitive to environmental changes and serve as bio-indicators of ecosystem health.
• Conservation Planning: The taxonomic clarity helps in assessing IUCN status and planning area-specific conservation strategies.
• Museum Revisions: Researchers re-examined century-old frog specimens from global museums to resolve taxonomic ambiguities.
  

Exam Hook — UPSC Prelims Question (One-line)

“Raorchestes”, recently seen in the news, refers to a genus of frogs discovered in multiple biodiversity hotspots of Northeast India.

Statement-Based MCQs

1. Consider the following statements about the recent frog discoveries in Northeast India:

1. All 13 newly discovered species belong to the genus Raorchestes.
   
2. The study used acoustic, genetic, and morphological data for species identification.
   
3. The highest number of new species were found in Meghalaya.
   

Correct Answer: (a) 

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