Discover Bhupathy’s Purple Frog: India’s Unique Underground Amphibian Species
Guest Contributor
In the dense, biodiverse forests of India’s Western Ghats, scientists have uncovered a fascinating new amphibian: a frog with a snout-like nose and underground lifestyle that has earned it the nickname “pig-nosed frog.” Officially named Bhupathy’s purple frog, this newly identified species adds an intriguing chapter to both evolutionary biology and the ongoing study of continental drift. The discovery has also drawn attention for its unique appearance and behavior, making it a standout among the more than 100 new frog species described in scientific journals each year.
Bhupathy’s purple frog was named in honor of Dr. Subramaniam Bhupathy, a renowned Indian herpetologist who passed away in the Western Ghats in 2014. His contributions to the study of amphibians make the naming particularly meaningful. The frog’s discovery also supports broader scientific theories about Earth’s ancient geography. According to The Hindu, the existence of this species lends weight to the idea that India was once part of the supercontinent Gondwana, which included what is now the Seychelles. Interestingly, the frog’s closest relatives are not found in India, but in the Seychelles, a group of islands located closer to Africa.
What sets Bhupathy’s purple frog apart is not only its genetic makeup but also its subterranean lifestyle and unique physical traits. According to National Geographic, this amphibian spends nearly its entire life underground, emerging only during the monsoon season to mate. Unlike many frogs that feed above ground, Bhupathy’s purple frog uses a specialized, flute-like tongue to suck up insects from beneath the soil. This adaptation allows it to thrive in the dark, humid environment of the forest floor, far from the eyes of predators—and scientists—until now.
Visually, the frog may not appeal to conventional standards of beauty. It has a bloated, rounded body with a pointed snout that resembles a pig’s nose. Its coloration is more dark brown than purple, distinguishing it from the Indian purple frog, which is already known to inhabit the Ghats. Another notable difference lies in its vocalizations. While the Indian purple frog has a three-pulse mating call, Bhupathy’s purple frog emits a four-pulse call. These distinctions, along with DNA barcoding, confirmed that the frog represents a separate species.
Ramesh K. Aggarwal, a co-author of the study announcing the frog’s discovery, explained that the team used genetic analysis to confirm that Bhupathy’s purple frog is indeed distinct from its relatives. “We confirmed it was a different species when we bar-coded its DNA and found that genetically it was very different from the Purple frog,” he said. This genetic divergence underscores how long these species have been evolving independently, despite their geographic proximity.
Jodi Rowley, a National Geographic explorer, emphasized the evolutionary significance of these frogs. She noted that both species of purple frogs have been evolving separately from other frog lineages for a very long time. Their closest relatives being in the Seychelles rather than in neighboring regions of India further supports the idea of ancient land connections. This adds a compelling layer to the theory of continental drift, which posits that the continents were once joined together and have since drifted apart over millions of years.
The frog’s reproductive behavior is equally fascinating. Mating takes place during the heavy monsoon rains that sweep through the Western Ghats. Males call to potential mates from beneath the sandy beds of mountain streams. Once a pair mates, the female lays eggs in the stream, where they hatch into tadpoles within just one or two days. This brief window of above-ground activity makes the species particularly elusive, which may explain why it remained undiscovered for so long.
I found this detail striking: that such a distinct and evolutionarily ancient species could evade scientific detection for so long speaks to how much of our planet’s biodiversity remains hidden. It also highlights the importance of ongoing field research, especially in biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats. As Rowley pointed out, over 100 new frog species are described each year, and countless others may still be waiting to be found.
Beyond its scientific importance, Bhupathy’s purple frog is a reminder of the intricate and often surprising ways in which life adapts to its environment. From its underground existence to its unique feeding mechanism, the frog exemplifies the marvels of evolution. Its discovery not only honors the legacy of a dedicated scientist but also enriches our understanding of Earth’s ancient past and the species that have endured through time.
