New toad species, Bufoides bhupathyi, found in Mizoram

A group of scientists has discovered a new species, Bufoides bhupathyi, in the Dampa Tiger Reserve in Mizoram, as reported in the latest issue of the Indonesian journal, Biodiversitas.

This new species is distinct from two previously known species in the Bufoides genus, Bufoides meghalayanus and Bufoides kempi, which were found in Meghalaya.

Bufoides meghalayanus was thought to exist in both Dampa Tiger Reserve and Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary in Mizoram, but recent research found that it is limited to just three locations in Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya and within 1.5 kilometers of each other, classifying it as “critically endangered.”

To resolve the confusion regarding whether the Bufoides species in Dampa was a separate species, scientists conducted field surveys. They discovered a population of Bufoides that initially resembled Bufoides meghalayanus but was later confirmed as a new species through extensive studies.

The new species from Mizoram differs from its similar species in characteristics like webbing between its toes, colouration, skin features, and the presence of unique parotid glands.

The toads, about an inch in length, are covered in black, medium-sized tubercles or warts.

This newly discovered species, currently only found in the Dampa Tiger Reserve, is likely limited to this area and may meet the criteria for being classified as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The species has been named Bufoides bhupathyi in honour of S. Bhupathy, a renowned herpetologist who worked as the principal scientist at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History in Coimbatore.

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