States » NorthPosted at: Oct 1 2026 7:15PM


Darjeeling’s ‘Sisne Paha’ frog shows extremely low genetic diversity: Study

Varanasi, Oct 1 (UNI) Research by scientists from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Calcutta University has found extremely low genetic diversity in the Marbled Cascade Frog (Amolops marmoratus), known locally as 'Sisne Paha' or 'Sisne Pa', found in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong regions. Scientists have cited this as a serious conservation concern and urged the need to protect its population.
The genetic health of Amolops marmoratus is poor. Locals call it 'Sisne Paha' or 'Sisne Pa' and have been catching it for food and traditional medicine for generations.
The study, published in the international journal BMC Genetics, involved 12 scientists from five institutions across the country. Researchers collected samples from 57 locations in the Darjeeling Hill Region, ranging from 200 to 2,400 metres in altitude. A total of 60 frogs were surveyed, and the DNA of 35 was analysed. The species identity was confirmed by the Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata.
Studies of the 16S rRNA and COI genes revealed lower genetic diversity in the Darjeeling population compared with populations in Myanmar, China and Southeast Asia. Kumaresh Mandal, the study's first author, explained that this phenomenon may be linked to historical expansion from smaller populations and the "founder effect."
Scientists also calculated the time of divergence from DNA data. According to the time-based analysis, the species' common ancestor lived in Asia approximately 17.4 million years ago. The South Asian (Darjeeling) branch diverged approximately 11.2 million years ago, and the current Darjeeling lineage rapidly spread across the region approximately 940,000 years ago.
The main reasons for the low genetic diversity are geographic isolation, limited gene flow and historical population events. Furthermore, the local practice of eating frogs has been cited as an additional modern pressure that has reduced their genetic diversity.
Research leader Dr. Rakesh Tamang, Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Calcutta, stated that this is the first combined morphological and genetic study of this species from Darjeeling, and its findings need to be considered in conservation policy.
Professor Gyaneshwar Choubey, a gene scientist at BHU's Knowledge Lab, stated that populations with low genetic diversity are more vulnerable to climate change, disease and inbreeding. He emphasised the need to increase awareness among local communities.
Scientists recommended a ban on unregulated hunting, protection of local streams and habitats, and community-based conservation.
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