A new species of fanged frog with underground nesting behaviour has been discovered in Namdapha Tiger Reserve, highlighting Northeast India’s rich biodiversity.

About the Discovery

• Discovered by researchers from Wildlife Institute of India
• The species belongs to the Limnonectes group, known for fang-like jaw structures
• Named after Motijheel Lake within the reserve
• Produces a distinct “wooooak” call, aiding identification

Unique Features

• Fanged jaws: Rare among frogs; possibly used for feeding or territorial behaviour
• Subterranean nesting: Builds cup-shaped nests beneath moist soil and leaf litter
• Morphology: Medium-sized (2.3–3.5 cm), with a dark line between eyes and inverted V-shaped ridge
• Reflects evolutionary adaptation to dense evergreen forest ecosystems

Exam Hook

Prelims Question:
Which of the following features is associated with the newly discovered frog species in Arunachal Pradesh?

1. Fang-like jaw structure
2. Underground nesting behaviour
3. Found in desert ecosystems

Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

One-line Wrap

The discovery of the fanged mud-nesting frog reveals how much of India’s biodiversity still remains hidden in its forests.

Rare ‘fanged’ mud-nesting frog discovered in Arunachal source