Published Aug 13, 2026 | 11:48 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 13, 2026 | 11:48 AM
(L to R) University of Delhi professor S.D Biju and Padmini Varkey
Synopsis: Among the three new species is Ammachi’s cascade frog (Amolops ammachi) in the Jampui Hills of Tripura, identified by a research team led by University of Delhi professor S.D Biju. The species has been named in memory of the late Kerala social worker and philanthropist Padmini Varkey, who was affectionately known as Ammachi meaning mother.
Scientists have discovered three new species of cascade frogs in the fast-flowing streams of Tripura, Nagaland and West Bengal.
Among them is Ammachi’s cascade frog (Amolops ammachi) in the Jampui Hills of Tripura, identified by research team, led by University of Delhi professor S.D Biju. The species has been named in memory of late Kerala social worker and philanthropist Padmini Varkey, who was affectionately known as Ammachi meaning mother.
Measuring around 80 mm, Ammachi’s cascade frog is medium-sized and has a light brown body marked with olive-green patterns.
The other two newly identified species are the Sendenyu cascade frog (Amolops sendenyo), found in Sendenyu village in Nagaland and named after the village, and the beautiful cascade frog (Amolops bella) from West Bengal.
The latter is notable for its green body and yellowish-green or reddish-brown mosaic-like patterns.
The researchers said the findings are the outcome of more than 15 years of work aimed at documenting India’s cascade frogs.
The study also highlights the presence of several unexplored species in the country, particularly in the biodiversity-rich northeastern states.
The study also records five cascade frog species in India for the first time, two of which were identified earlier.
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(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
