13 new bush frog species discovered in Northeast India
Researchers recently discovered 13 new types of bush frogs in Northeast India—the highest number of vertebrate species described in a single publication in over a decade from India.
The team studied frog specimens from 81 spots across eight states.
Where were these frogs hiding?
Most were found in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, with others turning up in Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur.
Seven live in protected areas like Namdapha Tiger Reserve, while one even showed up in a forest managed by local communities.
How did scientists spot them?
The team used frog calls, DNA tests, and physical features to tell these species apart—plus they checked out some seriously old museum collections.
Thanks to this work, India now has 95 known bush frog species (28 are from the Northeast alone).
Why does this matter?
Naming and mapping these frogs before they disappear helps protect the region's amazing but fragile biodiversity.
The study is a reminder that saving forests here isn't just about trees—it's about all the wild lives that call them home.