New toad species recorded in Meghalaya named after Khasi women’s attire

A team of researchers has discovered a new species of toad, named Duttaphyrnus dhara, during biodiversity surveys in the Mawphlang sacred grove region of Meghalaya, India. The species name honors the 'Dhara,' a traditional silk attire worn by Khasi women, blending cultural heritage with scientific taxonomy. Located at an altitude of 1,854 meters, this discovery underscores the unique and rich ecological diversity found within Meghalaya's protected forest landscapes.