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Lost Frog Found: Himalayan Species Rediscovered After Decades
12 Oct
Summary
- Critically endangered Himalayan frog rediscovered in Uttarakhand after 39 years.
- Only two individuals were found during extensive fieldwork.
- DNA analysis confirmed identity and provides reference for conservation.
A critically endangered Himalayan frog, absent from scientific records since 1985, has been rediscovered in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district. An international research team located just two individuals of the Chakrata torrent frog, also known as the Dehradun stream frog, during fieldwork between 2023 and 2026. The discovery occurred approximately 65km from its previously known habitat.
The research, published in the journal Animals, marks the first confirmed sighting of the species in 39 years. Scientists conducted extensive searches across 14 sites, employing day and night observations during suitable seasons for amphibian activity. Despite these efforts, the low detection rate suggests the species remains extremely difficult to find.
To confirm the frog's identity, researchers performed DNA barcoding on one captured individual, comparing it with a museum specimen. The genetic analysis validated Amolops chakrataensis as a distinct evolutionary group and established the first DNA reference sequence for the species. This genetic data is crucial for future identification and conservation planning.
The rediscovery underscores the importance of freshwater ecosystems for stream-dwelling amphibians. However, the authors caution that amphibians with small populations are vulnerable to habitat degradation and climate change. They recommend establishing micro-reserves and recognizing suitable habitats as conservation measures, alongside continued monitoring and surveys to ascertain the species' full distribution and population size.
