Xenophyrs Apatani

Source: The Hindu

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Context

• The discovery of Xenophrys apatani in Tale Wildlife Sanctuary highlights India's amphibian diversity and corrects a past misidentification of Xenophrys maosonensis.

Details

Key Points

• Recently scientists have found new frog species, Xenophrys apatani, in Tale Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh.
• The is discovery is significant as it was misidentified as Xenophrys maosonensis.
• Genetic studies confirms that Xenophrys apatani is distinct from X. maosonensis which are mainly found in Vietnam and China.

Tale Wildlife Sanctuary:

• It is located in lower Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh. It lies roughly in between the Subansiri, Sipu and Pange rivers.
• It has undisturbed pristine climax vegetation which is the home of rare, elusive and graceful clouded leopard.
• It is inhabited by various wildlife species like clouded leopard, Indian elephant, flying squirrel, giant squirrel, Himalayan black bear, Indian porcupine, Indian pangolin, jungle cat, leopard, leopard cat, palm civet, wild boar, slow loris, tiger, wild dog, wild buffalo, gaur, among others.

Apatani tribe:

• Apatanis are one of the larger tribal groups in Arunachal Pradesh.
• They are known for their unique practice of fish-paddy culture.
• Apatanis were first tribe to come in contact with the British in the 12th Century A.D.
• Elders spread their knowledge to next generation through folk songs, stories and couplets such as Miji-Migun and Busi-Ayu.
• They celebrate festivals such as Marun, Myako, Dree and Yapung.
• They speak Tani, a local language.
• They worship natural elements like the sun and the moon.

Sources:

The Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements regarding Tale Wildlife Sanctuary and Xenophrys apatani: 1.Tale Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Arunachal Pradesh. 2.Xenophrys apatani is a new species of horned frog discovered in Tale Wildlife Sanctuary. 3.Xenophrys Maoson horned frog is native to India. Which of the statements given above are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: a)