Three new species of cascade frogs:
Scientists have discovered three new species of cascade frogs from the biodiverse-rich forests of Northeast India.
- These frogs belong to the genus Amolops.
- They are typically found around rocky waterfalls and fast-flowing forest streams.
- Cascade frogs are vital ecological anchors that connect aquatic and terrestrial food webs, control pest populations, and serve as sensitive indicators of clean water ecosystems.
- Three New Cascade frog species:
Ammachi’s Cascade Frog (Amolops ammachi):
- It was discovered in the Jampui Hills of Tripura.
- It honours the late Kerala social worker and philanthropist Padmini Varkey, affectionately known as ‘Ammachi’ (or mother).
- It has a light brown body interspersed with beautiful olive-green reticulations.
Sendenyu Cascade Frog (Amolops sendenyu):
- It was found in Nagaland and named after Sendenyu Village; and
Beautiful Cascade Frog (Amolops bella):
- It was discovered in West Bengal and named for its striking green body marked with yellowish-green or reddish-brown mosaic patterns.
