New Frog Species ‘Ingerana occidens’ Discovered in Meghalaya’s Garo and Khasi Hills

Significance:  Adds to biodiversity of Indo-Burma hotspot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is  Ingerana occidens ?
A: It is a newly discovered species of frog found in Meghalaya, also called the western trickle frog.

Q2: Where exactly was it found?
A: In the Garo and Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, south of the Brahmaputra River.

Q3: How is it different from its northern relative?
A: It is smaller, has smoother skin, a distinct side stripe, and clearly visible protruding eardrums. Its DNA differs by 18%.

Q4: What does the name ‘occidens’ mean?
A: It is Latin for ‘west’, because this frog is the westernmost known species of its genus.

Q5: Why is the Brahmaputra River important for this discovery?
A: The river acts as a natural barrier. The new species lives south of it, while its close relative lives north of it. This separation led to the evolution of two different species.