The Malagasy treefrog called Boophis marojezensis has different groups that sound and look very different. Some of these groups are separate species. They make unusual calls that include several whistle-like sounds.
Researchers have found seven new species of tree frogs in Madagascar rainforests that make unique, high-pitched whistling calls, similar to sounds from Star Trek. Researchers have named the new species after seven of the series’ most iconic
These frogs, belonging to the Boophis genus, use bird-like sounds to communicate with each other. The team, led by Professor Miguel Vences, was inspired by the similarities between the frogs’ calls and the sound effects of the sci-fi series.
The researchers, led by Professor Miguel Vences, were reminded of Star Trek when they heard the frogs’ whistling sounds. They named the new frog species after seven famous Star Trek captains: Kirk, Picard, Sisko, Janeway, Archer, Burnham, and Pike.
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Frogs not only make sounds like those from Star Trek, but finding them often requires a lot of hiking! While some species are near tourist spots, many were discovered during challenging expeditions to remote forests and mountain peaks. This sense of adventure and discovery reflects the spirit of Star Trek.
The unique sounds made by these frogs are called “advertisement calls,” which help male frogs attract females by showing off their qualities as potential mates. They live near fast-flowing streams in Madagascar’s mountains, and their high-pitched calls help them stand out from the noise of the rushing water.
Some calls might remind Star Trek fans of sounds from the “boatswain whistle” or a “tricorder,” while others might think they sound like birds or insects.
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Dr. Jörn Köhler, Senior Curator of Vertebrate Zoology at the Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt, Germany, explained that if the frogs made regular croaking sounds, they might be drowned out by the water. Their distinctive high-pitched whistles help us identify different species; genetic analysis confirms this.
Professor Andolalao Rakotoarison of the Université d’Itasy in Madagascar said, “We’ve only scratched the surface of what Madagascar’s rainforests offer. Every time we go into the forest, we find new species, and just in terms of frogs, there are still several hundred species we haven’t yet described.”
The researchers hope their discovery will boost conservation efforts in Madagascar’s rainforests. The new frog species often live near each other but at different altitudes and habitats, making them especially vulnerable to environmental changes.
They stress the importance of raising awareness about protecting Madagascar’s biodiversity to preserve these unique species and their homes. Additionally, they plan to keep exploring uncharted forests to find even more new species.
Journal Reference:
- Vences M, Köhler J, Hutter CR, Preick M, Petzold A, Rakotoarison A, Ratsoavina FM, Glaw F, Scherz MD (2024) Communicator whistles: A Trek through the taxonomy of the Boophis marojezensis complex reveals seven new, morphologically cryptic treefrogs from Madagascar (Amphibia: Anura: Mantellidae). Vertebrate Zoology 74: 643-681. DOI: 10.3897/vz.74.e121110
