New ‘Kali Night Frog’ in Western Ghats

• 25 May 2026

In May 2026, scientists discovered a new frog species named Nyctibatrachus kali or Kali night frog in Karnataka’s Western Ghats, highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity and the need for stronger ecological conservation.

Key Points

• Scientific Identification: Scientists confirmed the species through morphology, genetic analysis, and bioacoustic studies of frog calls.
• Genus Importance: The genus Nyctibatrachus (night frogs) is endemic to the Western Ghats.
• Conservation Concern: The frog was discovered in an ecologically sensitive area facing developmental pressures such as railway expansion and habitat disturbance.