Five New Horned Frogs Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

Scientists from Delhi University and Harvard University identified five new diminutive horned frog species of the genus Jingophrys in Arunachal Pradesh. The findings, published in Royal Society Open Science after five years of field explorations across Northeast India, were covered in reports published around 12–14 November 2026.

Snail-Eating Frog Identified

One new species, Jingophrys tanogogo, is India's first documented snail-eating frog and the first recorded instance of snail-eating in the family Megophryidae. 3D micro-CT imaging revealed entire land snail shells in its gut.

Names and Research Findings

Three species names recognise local communities, languages or regions: Jingophrys taniitatii honours the Tanii tribe of Ziro Valley; tanogogo uses the Apatani word for snails; and Jingophrys siangensis is named after the Siang region. The study was led by Dr Sonali Garg of Harvard University's Museum of Comparative Zoology, with senior professor S.D. Biju and doctoral researchers Tage Tajo and Radhakrishna Upadhyaya K of Delhi University. It suggests horned-frog diversification coincided over millions of years with the rise of the Himalayas and intensification of the Asian monsoon.

Important Facts for Exams

• Leaf-like camouflage: Forest-dwelling megophryids can resemble dead leaves; some have skin folds that mimic leaf veins, helping conceal their frog-like shape.
• Tadpole habitats: Megophryid tadpoles occur in varied waters, especially ponds and streams, and their forms vary greatly with the range of habitats they occupy.
• Micro-CT method: X-ray microtomography builds virtual three-dimensional models from X-ray cross-sections without destroying the original specimen.