Researchers have identified three previously unknown cascade frog species in the forests of Northeast India while also recording five additional species in the country for the first time. The results, released in the Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, stem from more than 15 years of fieldwork across northeastern states. Led by Prof. S. D. Biju from Delhi University, the team examined over 300 populations of these frogs in swift forest streams. Through genetic testing and physical comparisons of adults and larvae, they verified that groups from Tripura, Nagaland and West Bengal represent new species. The species include Ammachi’s Cascade Frog from Tripura’s Jampui Hills, Sendenyu Cascade Frog from Nagaland, and Beautiful Cascade Frog from West Bengal. One honors a late Kerala social worker for her community efforts. The work also notes five cascade frogs new to India, broadening understanding of the genus. The findings highlight ongoing gaps in knowledge of Indian wildlife and the value of further study in biodiversity hotspots. Genetic analyses show major diversification around 32 million years ago, with migrations across Asia influenced by Himalayan uplift.
