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A new frog species, Leptobrachium aryatium, was discovered after a 21-year study.
This species was first mistaken for Leptobrachium smithi in 2004.
New molecular studies helped the team confirm it as a separate species.
The discovery highlights Garbhanga Forest’s rich biodiversity, which faces threats from urban growth.
Leptobrachium aryatium
The frog was found in Garbhanga Reserve Forest, near Guwahati and the Meghalaya border.
It was named after Arya Vidyapeeth College in Assam, a respected institution near the discovery site.
The frog has fiery orange-black eyes, a unique throat pattern, and a rhythmic dusk call.
The genus Leptobrachium includes 38 species found in parts of Asia.
Garbhanga helps regulate Guwahati’s climate and is home to elephants, rare birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
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