Context: Scientists have identified as distinct new species of forest dwelling horned frog from Northeast India as Xenophrys apatani. This species was earlier misidentified as Maoson horned frog which is a native of Vietnam and China.
About new horned frog species (Xenophrys apatani)
(Image of Xenophrys apatani)
- This species of frog is known for living amongst litter of tea leaves and sports a small horns.
- It is dark brown in colour.
- Found in Tale Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh.
- This newly discovered horned frog has a strong resemblance to the Maoson’s horned frog, which has a wide distribution in Vietnam and China.
- This species was first identified in 2019 in Arunachal Pradesh but researchers confused with Maoson’s horned frog despite the large geographical distance between Vietnam and North-East India.
- The horned from species has been named after Apatani tribe which is found in the region around Tale Wildlife Sanctuary.
About Apatani Tribe
- Apatani tribe predominantly reside in the Lower Subansiri Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, close to the Tale Wildlife Sanctuary.
- The naming of the frog after the Apatani people is a recognition of this tribal group in conserving wild flora and fauna in the region.
- Significant aspects about Apatani Tribes:
- Terraced Paddy fields in Ziro Valley with innovative paddy-cum-fish cultivation system.
- Apatani women wear nose plugs and face tattoo as a mark of identity within the tribe
(Terraced rice fish farming system practiced by Ziro Valley by Apatani Tribe)
(Nose plugs and tatoo by Apatani Tribe)
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