New Endemic Frog Species Identified in Northeast India
USTM Faculty Among Four Scientists Behind the Discovery
9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, Meghalaya | April 17, 2025:
In a landmark achievement for biodiversity research in Northeast India, a new species of frog has been officially identified from the Garbhanga Reserve Forest in Western Assam and the adjoining Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya. The frog, named *Leptobrachium aryatium*, has been described in the international journal *Zootaxa* on April 14.
The discovery is the result of collaborative research by Dr. Dipankar Dutta, Assistant Professor at the Department of Zoology, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), along with renowned herpetologists Dr. Jayaditya Purkayastha, Dr. Jayanta Gogoi, and Dr. Saibal Sengupta.
*Leptobrachium aryatium* stands out due to its unique morphological traits, distinguishing it from its closest relatives and deepening the scientific community’s understanding of amphibian diversity and evolution in the region. This identification underscores the ecological richness of Northeast India and reinforces the urgent need for habitat conservation and further field research.
A special tribute is embedded in the naming of the new species. The researchers have honored their alma mater, Arya Vidyapeeth College (Autonomous), Guwahati, by naming the frog after it. The Herpetology Laboratory at Arya Vidyapeeth has played a pivotal role in amphibian research and remains a hub of scientific activity.
“This species was first reported back in 2001 by my mentor as *Leptobrachium smithi*—it marked the genus’s first record in India,” Dr. Dipankar Dutta recalled. “Encouraged by Dr. Saibal Sengupta, I continued my research on the species for my PhD. Over the years, our detailed studies across multiple biological aspects helped confirm it as a distinct species.”
He expressed deep gratitude to both Arya Vidyapeeth College and the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya for their support and inspiration throughout the research journey, which began over two decades ago.
Originally considered part of the *Leptobrachium smithi* group found in Southeast Asia, the newly identified frog now stands as a testament to the unexplored biodiversity of India’s Northeastern region. This discovery also serves as a call to action for conservationists and researchers to protect and study these fragile habitats before they are lost.
