Three New Cascade Frog Species Described from Northeast India
Why in the news
Scientists from the University of Delhi, led by Prof S. D. Biju, described three previously unknown cascade frogs from India’s north-east and eastern regions. The findings were published in mid-August 2026.
Key facts
- Genus Amolops: the group of cascade frogs, which live along fast-flowing hill streams.
- Ammachi’s Cascade Frog (Amolops ammachi): Jampui Hills, Tripura; about 80 mm long with a light brown body and olive-green patterns.
- Sendenyu Cascade Frog: recorded from Nagaland.
- Beautiful Cascade Frog (Amolops bella): West Bengal; green body with mosaic-like patterns.
- The study also reported five more cascade frog species in India for the first time.
The research
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Team | University of Delhi, led by Prof S. D. Biju |
| Journal | Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology (Harvard) |
| Scale | 300+ populations, 15+ years of work |
| Methods | DNA sequencing, morphology of adults and tadpoles, field surveys |
About the naming
The first species is named for Padmini Varkey, a Kerala social worker and philanthropist who was affectionately called Ammachi, meaning mother.
Exam angle
- Species-in-news questions ask the place of discovery: Tripura, Nagaland and West Bengal.
- Know that the genus is Amolops and the research lead is Prof S. D. Biju.
- Northeast India is a biodiversity hotspot, so new amphibian records fit environment sections.