Shillong, March 18: An uninvited guest has hopped its way into Meghalaya’s rich biodiversity!
The Bangladeshi Cricket Frog (Minervarya asmati), previously recorded only in Bangladesh, Manipur, and Mizoram, has now been found croaking in the wetlands of Shillong and Cherrapunjee. Scientists from St. Edmund’s College, Shillong, made this unexpected discovery during a recent herpetological survey, extending the species’ known range by over 260 km northward.
Three male specimens were collected—two from paddy fields in Mawlai Umshing Mawkynroh, Shillong, and one from an ephemeral pool in Cherrapunjee. The study, which marks a significant addition to Meghalaya’s amphibian diversity, was published in the Uttar Pradesh Journal of Zoology.
Meghalaya, known for its exceptional biodiversity, is part of the Indo-Myanmar and Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspots. Its unique geographical position fosters a mix of species from Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, making it a crucial area for amphibian research. The state has been a focal point for new species discoveries, and this latest finding adds to its growing list of documented amphibians.
The Bangladeshi Cricket Frog was first described from Hathazari in the Chittagong District of Bangladesh, with subsequent records from Dhaka and Nazipur. More recently, it was sighted in Manipur and Mizoram, but until now, it had never been recorded in Meghalaya. Despite its growing known range, Minervarya asmati remains unevaluated by the IUCN Red List, leaving its conservation status uncertain.
The researchers found the frog in a paddy field near North Eastern Hill University, Mawlai Umshing Mawkynroh, Shillong, at an elevation of 1,520 meters above sea level. Another specimen was collected two days later from an ephemeral pool in Cherrapunjee.
The Minervarya genus, commonly known as cricket frogs, belongs to the Dicroglossidae family and includes over 30 species. These frogs typically thrive in moist, open habitats such as paddy fields, lateritic plateaus, and temporary pools. Their presence in Meghalaya suggests that the region provides suitable environmental conditions for the species to expand its range.
To confirm the species identity, researchers conducted a phylogenetic analysis of the collected specimens. DNA sequencing revealed a strong genetic match with previously recorded M. asmati samples, placing them in a well-supported monophyletic group. The study also supports ongoing taxonomic revisions that separate Minervarya from the closely related Fejervarya genus, reinforcing its distinct evolutionary lineage.
The identification of M. asmati in Shillong and Cherrapunjee also carries significant biogeographical implications. It extends the species’ known range by approximately 260 km and 170 km northward from Chittagong, Bangladesh. This expansion bridges the geographical gap between previously recorded populations in Bangladesh and the newly documented occurrences in Northeast India.
“This discovery contributes to the growing documentation of amphibian diversity in Meghalaya, raising the total recorded species count from 61 to 62,” the researchers noted. “It also underscores the state’s importance as a biodiversity hotspot for amphibians.”
The frog’s presence in lateritic plateaus and paddy fields suggests a preference for open, water-associated environments. However, much remains unknown about its habitat preferences, reproductive behavior, and population dynamics.
“Understanding these ecological parameters will be crucial for assessing the conservation needs of M. asmati within Meghalaya’s diverse landscape,” the researchers emphasized. “Given the ongoing habitat alterations due to agricultural expansion and urbanization, future conservation efforts should focus on habitat protection and monitoring population trends to ensure the species’ long-term survival.”
To address these concerns, scientists are calling for further research into M. asmati’s habitat specificity, reproductive biology, and seasonal activity patterns. Strengthening conservation initiatives will be essential to preserving these vital ecosystems and ensuring that future generations can continue to study and appreciate Meghalaya’s remarkable amphibian diversity.
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