In a quirky twist of nature, scientists have unearthed a new species of frog in the lush Western Ghats mountain range of southwestern India, and it’s causing quite a stir online. Dubbed Bhupathy’s purple frog, this peculiar amphibian doesn’t croak like its cousins but produces an oink-like call that’s more pig than prince, sending the internet into a frenzy of memes and viral videos.
Named in honor of Dr. Subramaniam Bhupathy, a revered herpetologist who tragically passed away in the Ghats in 2014, this frog is a fitting tribute to his legacy. Bhupathy dedicated his life to studying amphibians, and one can only imagine his delight at this oddball namesake. Unlike its more vibrant relative, the Indian purple frog, Bhupathy’s purple frog sports a darker, almost brownish hue and boasts a distinctive four-pulse call, setting it apart in both looks and sound.
What makes this frog truly bizarre is its lifestyle. As reported by National Geographic, it spends nearly its entire existence underground, skipping the surface even for meals. With a flute-like tongue, it slurps up insects from the soil like a living vacuum cleaner. This subterranean existence, paired with its pig-like vocalizations, has captivated netizens, with X posts buzzing about the “oinking frog” and its unexpected charm.
The discovery also packs a scientific punch, lending weight to the theory of continental drift. According to The Hindu, the frog’s existence supports the idea that India was once part of Gondwana, an ancient supercontinent that included present-day Seychelles, where another species of purple frog resides. “Both species of purple frog have been evolving independently from other frog species for a very long time,” explained National Geographic explorer Jodi Rowley. “Their closest relatives are not in India but the Seychelles, which is closer to Africa than India.”
Scientists confirmed the frog’s unique status through DNA barcoding, revealing significant genetic differences from the Indian purple frog. “We knew it was a different species when we found it was genetically distinct,” said Ramesh K. Aggarwal, a co-author of the study announcing the discovery.
From a side glance, Bhupathy’s purple frog might even pass as oddly endearing, with its small, rounded snout and compact body. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder—or in this case, the ear of the mate. During the monsoon season, when heavy rains drench the Ghats, male frogs emerge from their sandy hideouts in mountain streams to serenade potential partners with their oinking calls. Successful suitors mate in the streams, where females lay eggs that hatch into tadpoles within a day or two.
Rowley notes that the world of amphibians is brimming with surprises, with over 100 new frog species documented annually in scientific journals. Who knows how many more quirky creatures, perhaps with even stranger sounds, are waiting to be discovered? For now, Bhupathy’s purple frog is stealing the spotlight, proving that nature still has plenty of tricks—and oinks—up its sleeve.