Wildlife Biologist Dr. Firoz Ahmed Rules-out Presence of Poisonous Frog in Assam

OUR CORRESPONDENT

MANGALDAI: Following a news report circulated about the sighting of the endangered species of Golden Poison Frog or Golden Frog (phyllobates terribilis) in certain places of Lower Assam, including several parts of Udalguri district, eminent wildlife biologist Dr. Firoz Ahmed ruled out the presence of this poisonous species of frog in Assam.

Talking to The Sentinel on Tuesday morning, Dr. Ahmed, a well-known wildlife and nature activist, said that the species of frog mentioned in certain media was not Golden Poison Frog (phyllobates terribilis), but Indian Bull Frog (hoplobatrachus tigerinus), commonly known as 'Bamun Bhokol' which are easily sighted in any part of Assam.

"The male Indian Bull Frog becomes yellow during the breeding season which is quite a natural phenomenon," said Dr. Ahmed and appealed to all sections not to panic over the falsely circulated news claiming the presence of the Golden Poison Frog in the State. He also expressed his serious concern over the ongoing practice of reported killing of Indian Bull Frog by a section of people only for its meat.

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