New Frog Species Named After Khasi Dish Celebrates Culture

A new species of frog discovered in the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya has been named after a traditional rice dish, Jadoh, celebrated by the Khasi community. This small, direct-developing frog, identified as Raorchestes jadoh, is part of a group of amphibians that hatch as miniature frogs rather than going through a tadpole stage. Another newly identified species, Raorchestes jakoid, derives its name from the Khasi word for ‘frog’.

The discovery was made by a research team that included Holiness Warjri and Madhurima Das from Assam Don Bosco University, along with Jayaditya Purkayastha from the biodiversity organization Help Earth, and Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga from Mizoram University. Their findings are detailed in the latest issue of the Journal of Threatened Taxa.

Significance of the Discovery

The naming of these species serves not only as a scientific achievement but also as a cultural homage. Mr. Purkayastha remarked, “The naming of Raorchestes jadoh and Raorchestes jakoid is our way of celebrating Khasi culture and drawing attention to the close links between indigenous communities and biodiversity.”

Raorchestes jadoh was found in the Eastern West Khasi Hills district, specifically at Langtor, located at an altitude of 1,655 metres above sea level. The second species, Raorchestes jakoid, was discovered in Lawbah, also within the East Khasi Hills district, at an elevation of 815 metres. Both species were located in bushes and trees near human settlements, highlighting their adaptability to human-altered landscapes.

Ecological Context and Research Methodology

The researchers pointed out that while these frogs display a degree of ecological adaptability, their habitats are vulnerable to rapid environmental changes. Ms. Warjri, the lead author of the study and a resident of Langtor, expressed her pride, stating, “Discovering a new species in my village is both humbling and inspiring. I hope naming it jadoh, a dish that brings our Khasi families together, makes this frog a symbol of pride and conservation for our people.”

To classify these species, the team employed traditional field methods alongside advanced genetic and acoustic analyses. The unique calls, morphology, and DNA sequences of these frogs confirmed their status as new species within the Raorchestes parvulus species complex. The genus Raorchestes is among the most diverse in the family Rhacophoridae, currently consisting of approximately 80 recognized species. Its range extends from southern and northeastern India to Nepal, traversing regions in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and southern China, all the way to Vietnam, Cambodia, and western Malaysia.

Meghalaya is notably rich in biodiversity, housing around 70 species of amphibians, including the recently identified R. jadoh and R. jakoid. Since the year 2000, 20 species of amphibians have been recorded in the state, underscoring the importance of ongoing research into its unique ecological landscape.

This discovery highlights the intricate connections between culture and biodiversity in Meghalaya, reinforcing the need for conservation efforts that respect and integrate indigenous knowledge and practices.