Two New-to-Science Frog Species Discovered in Mizoram

Key facts

• Two new frog species, the toad Duttaphrynus phawngpui and the frog Ingerana aizawl, have been discovered in Mizoram and named after the state's highest peak Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) and its capital Aizawl respectively.
• Duttaphrynus phawngpui was found above 2,000 metres in Phawngpui National Park, grows up to 56 mm, and was confirmed as a new species using mitochondrial DNA analysis, statistical body measurements, and comparison with museum specimens.
• Ingerana aizawl, a 22-26 mm frog long mistaken for the widespread Ingerana borealis on the Mizoram University campus for over two decades, differs genetically by up to 6.6% from its nearest relatives and calls at night with a rhythmic series of 12 short notes.
• The studies were authored by Jayaditya Purkayastha, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremdanga, Malsawm Dawngliana, and Mara Dausa Hlychho and published in the journals Taprobanica and Zootaxa.
• The toad is so far known from a single mountaintop location, supporting the 'sky islands' theory of isolated peaks and raising conservation concerns under climate change.