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New species of frog quacks like a duck
The new species has been found in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Scientists made the discovery in north eastern India.

A new species of frog which makes a sound like a duck quacking has been discovered in India.

The frog was found in Arunachal Pradesh, India by scientists from the University of Wolverhampton and the Wildlife Institute of India.

Dr Deepak Veerappan, a herpetologist at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “Initially we first heard the call from a marsh near the Noa-Dihing river, which is quite similar to wild duck species, like ‘quack… quack… quack,’ which we never heard before.”

The researchers later found more examples of the species in the marshy habitat around Glaw Lake.

The frog has been named the Noa-Dihing music frog (Nidirana noadihing) after a local river. It has a cream-coloured mid-dorsal line from its snout tip to its vent and can grow up to six centimetres in length.

The discovery marked the third new amphibian to be found in the Namdapha-Kamlang area in the same year.

Dr Veerappan, added: “As the new species inhabits swampy areas, conservation of such habitats inside the protected area and its surrounding is crucial.

“The addition of three new species of amphibians within one year underscore the biological richness of the region and flag the need for further exploration in hyper diverse Namdapha-Kamlang landscape.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.