Description

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context :

Recently , A team of researchers discovered a new species of cricket frog in the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra. This new species is known as Minervarya ghatiborealis.

Key Details of the Discovery:

Feature	Details
Location	Mahabaleshwar region, Northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra
Scientific Name	Minervarya ghatiborealis
Nomenclature	It is derived from Sanskrit word Ghati (Western) & Latin word Borealis (Northern)
Genus	Minervarya, it is also commonly known as Cricket frogs.

Characteristics of the Species:

Characteristic	Description
Size	It reaches 2.5 inches in length
Physical Features	- Slender fingers and long legs - Golden-yellow eyes (darker edges, lighter center) - Color: Brown to orange with light cream belly and yellow edge
Distinct Features	- Sub-elliptical snout - rudimentary filaments - highly raised glandular skin
Habitat	They are found near standing water or small springs.

Genetic Features:

Genetic Analysis: DNA analysis showed that this frog species has at least 6% genetic variation from other related species. It indicates that it is a separate species.

Similar Species:

In 2019, a similarly sized species was discovered in Bamburde village (Pune). It was named Minerveia marathi. It is also part of the same genus, Minerveia.

Importance of the Discovery:

The Mahabaleshwar cricket frog is an endemic species. This means that it is only found in a specific geographical location (northern Western Ghats).
The discovery shows the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats. This ghat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site & They are known for its diverse flora and fauna.

What Are the Western Ghats?

The Western Ghats are a mountain range near western coast of India, covering 6 states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Several endangered species (Nilgiri Langur & Lion tailed Macaque) live here
The region is protected by several Indian laws including the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) & the Forest Conservation Act (1980).

Source: TOI

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. What is the scientific name of the newly discovered cricket frog species in the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra?

A) Minervarya marathi
B) Minervarya ghatiborealis
C) Hyla japonica
D) Rana tigrina

Answer:
B) Minervarya ghatiborealis

Explanation:

This newly discovered species of cricket frog was found in the Mahabaleshwar region of the northern Western Ghats. The name 'ghatiborealis' combines the Sanskrit word 'ghati' (meaning 'mountain pass') and the Latin word 'borealis' (meaning 'northern'), reflecting its habitat in the northern Western Ghats.