Guwahati: In a remarkable discovery that upends assumptions about wildlife and urbanization, scientists have identified a new species of cascade-dwelling frog not in a remote rainforest—but amid the bustling cityscape of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya.
Named Amolops shillong, or the “Shillong cascade frog,” the species belongs to the genus Amolops, known for its affinity for fast-flowing streams and its cryptic, often elusive nature. The frog was discovered during fieldwork conducted between 2022 and 2023 by researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and North Eastern Hill University (NEHU).
What makes the discovery extraordinary is its setting. Male specimens were collected from the Mawlai locality of Shillong—one from a homestead and another from a neighborhood water tank. These are surprising habitats for a genus typically found in pristine, high-altitude streams.
“This is one of the first known instances of a new Amolops species being discovered right within an urban environment,” said Dr. Bhaskar Saikia, lead author of the study published in the Records of the Zoological Survey of India. “It shows us that even cityscapes can harbor undiscovered biodiversity.”
During the fieldwork, three specimens of the new species were collected from urban forest patches. Two individuals were found in the Umthlong locality of Mawlai by Damepaia Pdah, a researcher at Assam University, Silchar. A third was discovered in the Umrynjah locality by Eugene Lyngkhoi, a Ph.D. scholar at NEHU.
Genetic and morphological analyses confirmed the species as distinct from Amolops siju, which was discovered in Meghalaya’s limestone caves in 2023. A. shillong differs significantly in body size, coloration, skin texture, and key anatomical traits such as the shape and position of its tympanum (ear membrane), snout, and limb proportions. A 2.0–3.4% genetic divergence further supports its classification as a separate species.
The discovery provides new insights into the broader Amolops indoburmanensis species complex, a group of frogs whose full diversity remains underexplored. Researchers believe at least six distinct genetic lineages exist within this complex across Northeast India and Myanmar, many of which are still awaiting formal description.
Beyond taxonomy, the discovery raises serious conservation concerns. As a “perianthropic” species—one that thrives near human settlements—Amolops shillong is especially vulnerable to threats such as habitat destruction, polluted urban waterways, and exploitation. In one of the locations, the species is reportedly harvested from the wild for consumption.
“This discovery challenges us to rethink the value of urban ecosystems,” said Dr. Bikramjit Sinha, co-author of the study. “Urban biodiversity is often sidelined in conservation planning, but Amolops shillong proves that cities can still harbour endemic and ecologically significant species. This is not just a scientific achievement—it’s an ecological wake-up call. We hope it inspires greater public awareness and protective action for Shillong’s streams, forest patches, and green spaces.”
“This frog’s coexistence with people might help it survive in the short term,” added Dr. K.P. Dinesh, ZSI scientist and co-author. “But without awareness and protective measures, its very proximity to human settlements could become a danger.”
The authors recommend close monitoring of the species’ population, particularly as urban expansion continues to reshape Meghalaya’s landscapes. They also stress the urgent need to collect genetic data on other Amolops species in India, many of which remain poorly studied due to their elusive nature and lack of research focus.
With this addition, the number of Amolops species recorded in India rises to 20, with 16 having their type localities within the country. The researchers propose “Shillong cascade frog” as the English common name, and “शिलांग झरना मेंढक” in Hindi.
At a time when amphibians are among the most threatened animal groups globally, this discovery is a powerful reminder of nature’s resilience—even in the most unexpected corners of our urban environments.
It also underscores the urgent need for conservation strategies that extend beyond forests and protected areas to embrace the overlooked biodiversity thriving within our cities.
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