New Delhi: Despite the fact that the COVID pandemic left unerasable marks in the lives of various people across the globe, it has given new life to various animals that once lost their homes and were considered to be extinct or vanished. Soon after the end of the pandemic, various animal species resurfaced that had remained missing for centuries or even more. In a recent development, researchers have made a breakthrough with the rediscovery of the Sri Lankan golden-backed frog (Hylarana gracilis) after two centuries.
Reappearance of Sri Lankan golden-backed frog
The rediscovery is the achievement of researchers from Zoological Survey of India, who were working in association with the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board. The frog species was rediscovered in the Koundinya wildlife sanctuary in the Chittoor district, the southernmost point of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. With this achievement, the number of frog species in India has risen to 20.
The reappearance of Sri Lankan golden-backed frog is evidence of Sri Lanka’s connection with India
The researcher, Bharath Bhupathi from the Zoological Survey of India, Hyderabad, spotted the frog species near a pond in the forest. He suspected that it could be a new species. The sample of the new species was sent for identification. After a brief discussion with taxonomic experts, taking support from morphological and DNA barcoding tools, the species was confirmed to be the Sri Lankan golden-backed frog, Hylarana gracilis.
According to a report by the Hindu, Bhupathi highlighted that the rediscovery of the frog species is more significant than the discovery of a new species. The reappearance of this frog species ensures the historic land connection between India and Sri Lanka.
Resurrection of Sri Lankan golden-backed frog Andhra: An evidence of Sri Lanka-India land connection
The new discovery is the result of the continuous and collaborative efforts of multiple scientists, including SS Jadhav, Deepa Jaiswal and Karuthapandi. M from ZSI, Hyderabad, and KP Dinesh from ZSI, Pune in association with the researcher, Kalyani Kunte of Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board.
Amphibians are considered ecological indicators of healthy ecosystems. Notably, the Eastern Ghats serve as the residence of 27 species of amphibians, significantly fewer than the Western Ghats.
The rediscovery is the achievement of researchers from Zoological Survey of India, who were working in association with the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board. The frog species was rediscovered in the Koundinya wildlife sanctuary in the Chittoor district, the southernmost point of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. With this achievement, the number of frog species in India has risen to 20. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
