Shillong, July 27: It was a humbling and deeply personal moment for Holiness Warjri of Assam Don Bosco University when he discovered a new frog species in his own village of Langtor.
“Discovering a new species in my own village of Langtor is both humbling and inspiring. Naming it jadoh—a dish that brings our Khasi families together—was my way of honouring the deep bond between our culture, land, and nature. I hope this frog becomes a symbol of pride and conservation for our people,” said Warjri.
Scientists have identified two new species of bush frogs—Raorchestes jakoid sp. nov. and Raorchestes jadoh sp. nov.—from the sacred groves of Meghalaya. Both belong to the Raorchestes genus, a group of small, direct-developing frogs native to the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
Raorchestes jakoid was discovered in Lawbah, East Khasi Hills District (815 m elevation), while Raorchestes jadoh was found in Langtor, Eastern West Khasi Hills District (1,655 m elevation
The discovery, made by researchers from Assam Don Bosco University, Help Earth, and Mizoram University, significantly expands the known diversity of bush frogs in Meghalaya. Until now, only five Raorchestes species had been documented in the state. The new additions, part of the Raorchestes parvulus species complex, offer valuable insights into amphibian evolution in Northeast India.
The specific epithet jakoid is derived from the Khasi word for “frog,” acknowledging local linguistic traditions. “This nomenclature honours the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Khasi community and emphasizes the importance of traditional knowledge in biodiversity discovery and conservation,” the authors noted.
The second species, jadoh, is named after the iconic rice and meat dish central to Khasi cuisine. “This naming celebrates Khasi heritage and underscores the connection between local biodiversity and indigenous cultural practices,” the researchers added.
The frogs were found between elevations of 1,000 to 1,600 meters—altitudes known for stable microclimates that support high amphibian diversity. Intriguingly, all the newly discovered frogs were located near human settlements in disturbed or secondary habitats, indicating some ecological tolerance. However, scientists caution that such adaptability does not guarantee long-term resilience.
Currently, about 70 amphibian species are known from Meghalaya, with nearly 30% of them described in just the last two decades. This rapid pace of discovery highlights the region’s underexplored biodiversity and the urgent need for conservation.
For co-author Jayaditya Purkayastha, the discovery carried emotional significance. “My mother is from Shillong, Meghalaya, and I’ve always had a deep emotional connection to this beautiful state. For me, contributing to the documentation of its biodiversity goes far beyond publishing a scientific article—it’s a heartfelt tribute to a land that feels like home,” he shared.
The discovery comes amid growing concern over habitat fragmentation in Northeast India, where even minor land-use changes can threaten species with extremely limited ranges. The researchers stress that documenting such cryptic diversity is crucial not only for local conservation but also for understanding global biodiversity patterns.
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