A team of researchers has identified a new species of cricket frog in the Mahabaleshwar region of Satara district in the northern Western Ghats.
Species Name: Minervarya Ghatiborealis
- Published In: Zootaxa (International journal from New Zealand)
- Publication Date: February 27, 2025
Distinct Features of Minervarya Ghatiborealis
- Larger & more robust body compared to other Minervarya species
- Sub-elliptical snout
- Rudimentary webbing between toes
- Highly ridged glandular skin
Evolutionary Significance
- Phylogenetic analysis reveals a sister relationship with other Minervarya species, highlighting its unique evolutionary lineage.
This discovery adds to the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity.
(Source: Hindustan Times)
