Itanagar, Nov 23: A new species of ‘music frog’ has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh by Scientists, based on morphological, molecular and acoustic evidence.

In an article published in the November 15 edition of the journal Zootaxa, scientists assert that the recently identified frog within the Nidirana genus exhibits distinct morphological characteristics setting it apart from its counterparts.

Last year, scientists Bitupan Boruah, V Deepak, and Abhijit Das conducted field surveys in the Changlang and Lohit districts of the northeastern state during the months of August and September.

In the midst of vegetation within shallow water pools, scientists discovered male frogs with ‘robust’ bodies emitting loud calls. The article mentioned that other specimens were also observed in nearby marshy areas, along the edges of a recently constructed pond, and on the side of a nearby road.

The scientists have gathered a total of five Noa-Dihing Music Frogs for their study, consisting of three males and two females. This particular species is scientifically referred to as Nidirana noadihing. The nomenclature of the new species is derived from the Noa-Dihing River, the vicinity where these specimens were identified and collected.

Characterized by a ”robust” physique, the frog exhibits variations in size, with males measuring around 1.8 to 2.3 inches and females ranging from approximately 2.4 to 2.6 inches, as stated by the scientists.

The frogs is said to have a ’rounded’ snout and ‘smooth’ skin with bony protrusions on their backs.

Also, According to the scientists, this is for the first time that the Nidirana genus has been found in India. Nidirana species are known in Japan, Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.

The study indicated that Nidirana frogs are recognised for inhabiting swamps, ponds, and paddy fields, where they frequently build nests for the purpose of egg-laying.

The identification of a new species underscores the existence of the Nidirana genus in India, highlighting the significance of investigating specialized habitats like marshlands, often overlooked in ecological studies, as noted by the scientists.

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