New toad species discovered in Dampa tiger reserve of Mizoram

Source: The post is based on the article “New toad species discovered in Dampa tiger reserve of Mizoram” published in “Hindustan Times” on 17th October 2023

What is the News?

Scientists have discovered a new species of toads named Bufoides bhupathyi.

Note: Toad is a common name for certain frogs.They are characterized by dry, leathery skin, short legs, and large bumps covering the parotoid glands.

What is Bufoides bhupathyi?

Source: Hindustan Times

Bufoides bhupathyi is a toad species.It has been discovered in the Dampa tiger reserve of Mizoram.

Named after: S Bhupathy, a prominent herpetologist who served as the principal scientist at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History in Coimbatore.

Features: It differs from other similar species in terms of colouration, skin and the presence of depressed parotid glands.

– It is currently known to exist only in the Dampa tiger reserve.Hence, it  is likely to meet the criteria for being assessed as critically endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Significance: This marks the third species in a genus found in the north-eastern region of India.

–The previous two species, Bufoides meghalayanus and Bufoides kempi were found in Meghalaya.