Scientists Discover New Toad Species in Northeast India's Dampa Tiger Reserve

• 14 Oct 2023

Recently, researchers from India and the United Kingdom have identified a new species of toads, marking the third species within a genus confined to a small region in northeast India.

Key Points

• Bufoides Bhupathyi: The recently discovered toad species is named "Bufoides bhupathyi," and it was found in Mizoram's Dampa tiger reserve.
• The earlier-known species within the "bufoides" genus, namely "Bufoides meghalayanus" and "Bufoides kempi," were located in Meghalaya.
• Historical Distribution: Historically, "Bufoides meghalayanus" was reported from Dampa tiger reserve and Ngengpui wildlife sanctuary in Mizoram.
• However, these locations were over 200km away from Mawblang, the type locality of the species in Meghalaya.
• Taxonomic Confusion: There was some uncertainty about whether the Bufoides species in Mizoram was distinct. To resolve this taxonomic confusion, a field survey in the tiger reserve was conducted.
• It revealed a population of Bufoides that initially resembled "Bufoides meghalayanus" but was later identified as a new species through extensive research.
• Distinctive Features: The new species from Mizoram differs from its co-generic counterparts in various aspects, including interdigital webbing, coloration, skin tuberculation, and the presence of ovoid, tuberculated, and depressed parotid glands.
• Critical Endangerment: The new species is currently known only in the Dampa tiger reserve and is likely restricted in range.
• It may meet the criteria for assessment as "critically endangered" according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• Tribute to S. Bhupathy: The newly discovered species has been named "Bufoides bhupathyi" in honor of S. Bhupathy, a renowned herpetologist who served as the principal scientist at the Coimbatore-based Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History.