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According to the researchers, Sphaerotheca varshaabhu has adapted to its urban surroundings displaying behaviours and physical attributes that help it navigate challenges posed by urbanization.
Researchers from various national and international organisations have identified and documented a previously unknown species of frog which has been thriving amidst the urban landscape of Bengaluru.
The researchers said that this discovery marks a significant milestone in biodiversity research and underscores the resilience of wildlife in unexpected urban ecosystems.
Sphaerotheca varshaabhu is a relatively new species of frog, first described in 2020 by Deepak et al.
It belongs to the genus Sphaerotheca, which includes other small, brown frogs found in the Western Ghats of India.
Found in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India, specifically in the Uttara Kannada district.
Inhabits evergreen and semi-evergreen forests at elevations between 430 and 640 meters.
Description:
Small frog, around 20-24 mm in size.
Brown colored with darker markings on the back and lighter underparts.
Males have spiny forearms, a distinguishing characteristic of the genus.
Females lack these spines.
Likely nocturnal and terrestrial, spending most of their time on the forest floor.
Breed during the monsoon season, laying eggs in leaf litter.
Conservation status:
Data deficient, meaning there is not enough information to assess its conservation status accurately.
its limited distribution and habitat loss due to deforestation pose potential threats.
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