New Species of 'Star Trek Frogs' Discovered in Madagascar

madagascar - Seven new species of frogs that sound more like birds than amphibians have been discovered on the African island of Madagascar.

Researchers have identified seven new species of Boophis frogs on the island of Madagascar that emit a bird-like whistling sound, resembling something out of the world of Star Trek. The frogs have been named after iconic Star Trek captains: Kirk, Picard, Sisko, Janeway, Archer, Burnham, and Pike. This discovery, published in the journal Vertebrate Zoology, was made through research led by the Technical University of Braunschweig in Germany.

Mark Scherz, the lead author of the study, described the excitement of the scientific discovery and exploration that surrounded the expeditions to find these unique frogs, likening it to the spirit of Star Trek.

John Kohler, head curator of vertebrate zoology at the Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt, suggested that the bird-like calls of these frogs may be due to their habitat in noisy environments. The high-pitched whistles help the frogs stand out amidst the sounds of rushing water in the rivers where they dwell.

Another reason for the unique sound is believed to be a form of self-promotional call used by male frogs to communicate their suitability as mates to female frogs.