Shillong, May 2026 — Scientists have documented a new species of toad from the East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya, naming it Duttaphrynus dhara in honour of the traditional Khasi women’s garment known as “Dhara” or Jainsem.
The discovery was made in the Mawphlang area at an elevation of approximately 1,854 metres. The toads were found in fallow agricultural fields bordering montane forests and sacred groves, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the Khasi Hills region, which forms part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
Cultural Tribute Through Science
The species name “dhara” pays tribute to the elegant traditional attire worn by Khasi women. The Dhara (Jainsem) is a distinctive wrap-around garment, often woven from fine Muga silk, draped gracefully over both shoulders and extending to the ankles with intricate borders and fringes. Researchers chose the name to celebrate the deep cultural connection of the Khasi people with their forests and natural heritage.
Physical Characteristics
Duttaphrynus dhara is a small forest-associated toad. Adult males measure around 40–42 mm in snout-vent length. It features a compact body with a wider head, lacks prominent cranial ridges, and has a small but distinct tympanum. The toes show moderate webbing, while the dorsum is rough with pointed keratinized warts.
In terms of coloration, the toad displays a brown base with irregular black patches, a narrow pale mid-dorsal line, dark fingers and toes, and a creamy white underside marked with black blotches.
Habitat and Ecology
Unlike the more common and disturbance-tolerant Asian toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), the new species appears to prefer semi-natural forest-edge habitats with low vegetation and abundant leaf litter. This preference makes it more sensitive to habitat changes.
Scientific Confirmation
An integrative taxonomic approach was used to establish Duttaphrynus dhara as a distinct species. The research team, comprising Holiness Warjri, Madhurima Das, A.A. Thasun Amarasinghe, and Jayaditya Purkayastha, combined detailed morphological analysis, mitochondrial DNA sequencing (showing 4.4–6.7% divergence from closely related species such as D. stuarti and D. chandai), and bioacoustics studies. The findings were published in the journal Taprobanica.
Significance of the Discovery
The Khasi Hills are known for their “sky island” effect, which promotes high levels of endemism among amphibians and other organisms. This latest discovery underscores the region’s under-explored amphibian diversity and the urgent need for continued surveys and conservation efforts, especially in the face of habitat loss and climate change.
By linking scientific discovery with cultural respect, the naming of Duttaphrynus dhara stands as a beautiful example of how biodiversity research in Northeast India can honour local traditions while advancing global knowledge. Further studies are required to determine the full distribution and conservation status of this new species.
About The Author
