NEWS: Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India recorded a new-to-science cascade-dwelling frog species from hill-stream habitats in Nagaland’s Kiphire district

ABOUT

• The newly discovered species has been named Amolops kamal.
• Common nameà Nagaland cascade frog.
• The species belongs to the Asian cascade-dwelling frog genus Amolops.

Cascade-dwelling Frogs

• These are frogs that live in fast-flowing hill streams, waterfalls, rocky cascades and moist streamside habitats.
• AdaptationàThey usually have adaptations such as strong limbs, adhesive toe pads and streamlined bodies to survive in fast-flowing water.
• Habitat Indicatorà Their presence indicates clean, oxygen-rich and relatively undisturbed freshwater ecosystems, where they help maintain ecological balance by feeding on small insects and forming an important part of the stream food chain.
• In Indiaà Many cascade frogs are found in biodiversity-rich hill regions, especially the Western Ghats and North-East India.
• They are sensitive to water pollution, habitat disturbance, deforestation, hydropower projects and climate change.