Odorrana arunachalensis: New new frog species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

Scientists from Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered new frog species in the fast flowing streams in Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) in Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.
The new species has been named Odorrana arunachalensis after the state Arunachal Pradesh were it was found. It is one of the five frog species discovered in India in recent times and the 59th in the world.

Odorrana Arunachalensis

Odorrana Arunachalensis belong to genus Odorrana (commonly known as the odorous frog). Odorrana is a genus of true frogs (Ranidae) from East Asia and surrounding regions including India. There are over 50 species of frogs belonging to the genus Odorrana.
Odorrana Arunachalensis is medium-sized green frog adapted for life in torrential waters of Arunachal Pradesh. It dwells in moss and fern covered rocky section along hill streams in mixed wet tropical forest type
It has black band-like mark between the eyes which is its distinguishing character that separates it from all the other frog species of this genus.This new species is majorly sighted during the wet season from April to September. They are not seen in the dry seasons.

Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

It is a wildlife sanctuary as well as a bio-diversity hotspot located in Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated at the altitude of 2400 metres with rivers like Pange, Sipu, Karing and Subansiri flowing through the Reserved Forest and Sanctuary.
It mainly comprises sub-tropical and alpine forests and has variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endangered. Talley is plateau with dense forest of silver fir trees, pine clad plateau of beautiful grandeur, and vast wasteland. It is home to highly endangered species like clouded leopard. Pleioblastus simone is a bamboo variety only found in Talley Valley.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2017