Species in News: Maoson horned frog

By The Study IAS

Jul 8, 2024

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Species in News: Maoson horned frog

Context:

The study, led by scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Shillong and Pune, discovered a new horned frog species in Tale Wildlife Sanctuary, which had previously been mistakenly identified as a Vietnamese reptile.

About the Species Maoson horned frog (Xenophrys maosonensis):

The study involved collaborators from ZSI, Pune and ZSI, Itanagar.
Known for living among tea leaves and sporting small horns, it is dark brown in colour.
It is named after the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, recognizing their conservation efforts. This discovery significantly contributes to India’s herpetofauna diversity, adding to the 16 Xenophrys species found in India out of 28 worldwide.
First reported from Arunachal Pradesh in 2019, genetic analysis revealed a 4.4% to 5.5% genetic disparity from its Vietnamese counterpart.
It’s endemic and requires study on its habitat and conservation status.
Insights into Xenophrys species distribution highlight concentrations in Eastern Himalayas and Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspots.
Northeast India continues to unveil new amphibian species, suggesting more discoveries await, particularly among smaller Xenophrys species.

Xenophrys:

It is a genus of amphibians in the family Megophryidae.
They are found in southeastern Asia (including China and northeastern India) to Borneo.

Apatani Tribe:

The Apatani, or Tanw, also known as Apa and Apa Tani, are a tribal group living in the Ziro Valley in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Apatani language, or Tanii agun
They celebrate two major festivals: Dree and Myoko.

Dree, celebrated in July, is an agricultural festival with prayers for a bumper harvest and prosperity. Cultural programs include Pakhu-Itu, Daminda, and Pree dance.

Myoko, celebrating friendship, lasts from the end of March to the end of April.

Tale Wildlife Sanctuary:

It is located near the Apatani cultural landscape in the Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh.
The sanctuary covers an area of 337 sq.km, lying between the Subansiri, Sipu, and Pange rivers, surrounded by densely forested mountains ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 metres in altitude.
The sanctuary includes two main valleys: Pange Valley and Tale Valley.
The valley is known for its thick bamboo forests.
The area around Ziro Valley also records many bird species, with the Apatani tribe being recognized for their natural conservation efforts.