Prelims (GS I) – Current events of national and international importance| General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change.
Mains (GS III) – Conservation.
Why in News?
Leptobrachium aryatium, a new-to-science frog recorded from Garbhanga Reserve Forest on the southwestern part of Guwahati bordering Meghalaya.
- Genus – Leptobrachium.
- It comprising a group of stocky frogs with broad heads, relatively short hind limbs, and distinctively coloured eyes, currently consists of 38 species.
- It is widely distributed across Southern China and India to islands of the Sunda Shelf and the Philippines.
- Nomenclature –Named to honour Arya Vidyapeeth College’s enduring contribution to education and science.
- Appearance – It has fiery orange-and-black eyes, a unique reticulated throat pattern, and a smooth, rhythmic call at dusk.
- Distinction - Scientific analysis of its appearance, DNA, and call patterns confirmed that this was a previously unknown species.
Garbhanga Reserve Forest
- It is located southwest of Guwahati, near the Assam-Meghalaya border.
- The forest is dominated by evergreen and deciduous trees, bamboo groves, and medicinal plants.
- Notable species - Hoolock Gibbon, Leopards, Elephants, Deer species (barking deer and sambar deer), Various reptiles and amphibians (Rare frogs, snakes, and monitor lizards).
- Threats – Poaching, Timber smuggling, and illegal mining.
Reference
The Hindu | Leptobrachium aryatium
