In the rainforests of India, biologists have discovered a peculiar species of frog that spends most of its life underground and only emerges once a year. The newly discovered species, named Nasikabatrachus bhupathi, has a bloated appearance, a pointed nose, and a small mouth that make it look unlike any other frog. However, it has a close relative, Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis, which shares the same unusual trait of spending most of its life underground. The frogs only come to the surface during the monsoon season to mate. The discovery was made by S. Jegath Janani and his colleagues from the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad.
According to the biologists, the frog feeds mainly on termites and can grow up to five centimeters long, making it slightly smaller than its relatives. The two species also differ in their marbled markings and mating calls. The genetic analysis conducted by the biologists confirmed that the newly discovered frog is indeed a distinct species and not a juvenile or a slight mutation. The findings were published in the scientific journal Alytes.
The discovery of Nasikabatrachus bhupathi sheds light on the diversity of life in the Indian rainforests and highlights the importance of preserving these habitats. The unique characteristics of this frog species also provide valuable insights into the adaptations that animals make to survive in extreme environments. As more research is conducted on this and other species, we may uncover even more fascinating secrets of the natural world.
