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Bengal’s cities yield new species of tree frog
Why in news?
- It took six herpetologists working across States and countries to determine that a tree frog found commonly in urban habitats of West Bengal was a brand new species.
More in news
- Study published in Zootaxa, a peer reviewed scientific journal for animal taxonomists.
- Specimens discovered from residential areas in two districts of West Bengal and not from deep jungles.
- Photo on social media
(1) It was a photograph shared on social media that triggered the study.
- After required measurements and other data collection, the study finally established that the mid-sized tree frog is the 26th species under the genus Polypedates, found throughout south and southeast Asia.
- New species named Brown Blotched Bengal Tree Frog (Polypedates bengalensis) from the series of six to nine dark brown blotches that extend laterally from behind the frog’s eye to the vent.
- The frog’s body colour is yellowish brown to greenish brown.
Sources
The Hindu