In the highland plateaus of the Western Ghats parts of Goa, scientists have identified a new species of frog called Fejervarya goemchi .
The new species is named after the historical name of the state of Goa where the species is discovered, Nirmal Kulkarni, a senior herpetologist told The Hindu on Thursday.
Come monsoons and many of these are large-sized terrestrial frogs sit next to water bodies making calls to attract females for mating and breeding. Although most of these frogs are terrestrial, they need water bodies to continue for survival.
Most Fejervarya species in South and South-East Asia are difficult to identify on the basis of morphology alone. The authors have used a combination of morphology, geographic distribution range and molecular methods to describe the new species.
The scientists provide an overview of the group and recommend additional sampling across the Asian continent in a a Zoological Survey of India report. The new species is found in the high elevation areas of laterite plateaus, temporary water bodies and paddy fields of Goa. Detailed studies of this species are necessary to map its distribution range, said Mr. Kulkarni.
