States » EastPosted at: Sep 16 2026 8:58PM


New toad species discovered in Mizoram’s Phawngpui National Park

Aizawl, Sept 16 (UNI) A new species of toad has been discovered in Phawngpui National Park in Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district, adding to the known amphibian diversity of the Northeast.


The species, named Duttaphrynus phawngpui after Phawngpui, Mizoram’s highest mountain, was identified through detailed morphological and DNA studies. The findings were published on September 13 in Volume 15 of the scientific journal Taprobanica.


The discovery was made during a Mizoram University zoological research expedition to Phawngpui National Park in 2025. The research team comprised Zoology department head Prof. H.T. Lalremsanga, faculty member Dr. M. Vabeireiryulai and research scholars Malsawmdawngliana, Amit Kumar Bal and Vanlalhruaia, along with collaborators from outside Mizoram.


The newly identified toad was found sheltering in leaf litter near the summit of Phawngpui at an elevation of about 2,144 metres.

Malsawmdawngliana, a PhD scholar associated with the study, said the genus Duttaphrynus, commonly known as “uṭawk” in Mizo, has 23 recognised species distributed across South and Southeast Asia. Seventeen of these have been recorded in India.


He said little was currently known about the behaviour and biology of the newly discovered species. Its presence at a high altitude with a relatively cold environment makes the finding of particular scientific interest, he added.


The discovery also points to the relatively unexplored biodiversity of Mizoram’s mountainous ecosystems, the researchers said.


The team thanked the Mizoram Forest Department for its support during the research and discovery.
UNI ZS BM
Tags: #New toad species discovered in Mizoram’s Phawngpui National Park
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