‘Stocky’ swamp creature with ‘muscular’ thighs discovered as new species in Malaysia

In a swampy forest of Malaysia, a “stocky” creature with “muscular” thighs called out to potential mates. Instead its nasally, raspy squeak caught the attention of passing scientists.

It turned out to be a new species.

Researchers in southeast Asia took on a massive project. They wanted to “comprehensively” study Berdmore’s narrow-mouthed frog , a widespread species found from India to Indonesia, because they suspected it might be several species inaccurately lumped together, according to a study published Oct. 4 in the peer-reviewed journal Vertebrate Zoology.

To investigate, researchers visited dozens of sites across nine countries over several decades. They caught dozens of Berdmore’s narrow-mouthed frogs, then studied their DNA and scrutinized their appearances.

Some patterns began to emerge. The team noticed the “stocky” frogs in Malaysia and nearby Indonesia differed subtly but significantly.

Researchers soon realized they’d discovered a new species: Microhyla sundaica, or the Sundaic narrow-mouthed frog.

Sundaic narrow-mouthed frogs are considered “medium”-sized, reaching just over 1 inch in length, the study said. They have “stocky and triangular” bodies with wide heads and “pointed” snouts. Their hindlimbs are “long” and “slender” with “robust and muscular” thighs. Their toes have “wide heart-shaped disks” on the tips.

The new species varies in color from “gray-bronze to light-brown,” researchers said and photos show. Seen from above, the frogs have a large “teddy-bear”-shaped marking on their backs. From below, their bellies are “bright yellow.”

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Sundaic narrow-mouthed frogs live in swamps and forests. They were often found in puddles, on stream banks or in other temporary pools, and they’re most active around twilight.

Male frogs were heard calling and made a “series of short nasal rasping squeaks,” the study said.

Researchers said they named the new species after the Latin word “sundaica,” meaning “Sundaic,” because it lives on several “major landmasses of the Sundaland, or Sundaic Region.”

So far, Sundaic narrow-mouthed frogs have been found in Malaysia and Indonesia but may also live in Thailand, the study said.

The new species was identified by its DNA, coloring, body size and shape, eyes, toes and other subtle physical features, the study said.

The research team included Alexei Trofimets, Christophe Dufresnes, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Andrey Bragin, Vladislav Gorin, Mahmudul Hasan, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga, Mohd Abdul Muin, Dac Xuan Le, Tan Van Nguyen, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom and Nikolay Poyarkov.

The team also discovered a second new species: the Peninsular narrow-mouthed frog.

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