Thiruvananthapuram: Scientists from Delhi University has discovered seven new 'night frogs' in the Western Ghats global biodiversity hotspot. Four out of seven of the new species that belong to the genus Nyctibatrachus (commonly known as 'night frogs') are miniature-sized frogs. Their size ranges from 12.2-15.4mm. That means no bigger than a human thumbnail. These are among the smallest known frogs in the world.
The new miniature frogs were found under damp forest litter or marsh vegetarian. Other frogs in the genus are predominantly stream dwelling.
Newly discovered frogs are distinct with a chirping sound comparable to that of a cricket.
The team of scientists was led by Professor SD Biju.
"In fact, the miniature species are locally abundant and fairly common but they have probably been overlooked because of their extremely small size, secretive habitats and insect-like calls," said Sonali Garg, who undertook this study as part of her PhD research at DU.