The ducks and ducklings are creatures that evoke curiosity among kids of the human world. Their 'quack quack' sounds like music to many and an irritant to few — yes duck-haters exist in our world.&nbsp;

But it has now emerged that the crowning quack-quack glory of ducks is not just theirs at all. Even frogs can make that sound. (Poet Vikram Seth of 'Frog and the Nightingale' fame should be proud.)

In a recent breakthrough, scientists from the UK-based University of Wolverhampton and Wildlife Institute of India have announced the discovery of a new species of frog in India, near the Namdapha Tiger Reserve in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

Dubbed the "music frog" for its distinct call reminiscent of a wild duck's quack, this unique amphibian was identified during surveys conducted in 2022.

Dr Deepak Veerappan, an expert from the university, described the frog's call pattern as consisting of two to three notes, closely resembling the familiar 'quack quack quack' of a wild duck.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/faking-death-female-frogs-have-unique-sex-strategy-they-also-avoid-persistent-males-646032">Faking death? Female frogs have unique sex strategy, they also avoid persistent males</a>

"This newly discovered frog,&nbsp;found near the Noa-Dihing river, grows up to six centimetres and is characterised by a pale, cream-coloured line on the mid-body," Dr Veerappan said in an official statement.&nbsp;

<h2>How were these frogs discovered?</h2>

The finding resulted from night-time searches conducted with torchlight in August and September 2022. This collaborative effort involved Indian biologists, forest experts, and researchers from the University's School of Life Sciences.&nbsp;

This one marks the third consecutive discovery of a new amphibian species in the easternmost Tiger Reserve of India within a year.

Named after the Noa-Dihing river, this unique frog underscores the significance of conserving habitats and their surrounding areas, Dr Veerappan said.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Europe's voracious appetite for frogs: Human consumption is threatening frog extinction

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/europes-voracious-appetite-for-frogs-human-consumption-is-threatening-frog-extinction-491437/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Researchers are now optimistic that further studies will reveal additional populations of the Noa-Dihing frog within the reserve, shedding light on the biodiversity of this ecologically important region.

The marshy habitat in Arunachal Pradesh where this discovery was made, is dominated by a particular grass species called Rotala, in which the male frogs make circular pits almost like their private pools and call from the pits to attract female frogs. The interesting breeding, egg-laying and parental care, if any, still remain unknown for this interesting marsh-adapted frog species.

(With inputs from agencies)

The ducks and ducklings are creatures that evoke curiosity among kids of the human world. Their 'quack quack' sounds like music to many and an irritant to few — yes duck-haters exist in our world.

The ducks and ducklings are creatures that evoke curiosity among kids of the human world. Their 'quack quack' sounds like music to many and an irritant to few — yes duck-haters exist in our world. But it has now emerged that the crowning quack-quack glory of ducks is not just theirs at all. Even frogs can make that sound. (Poet Vikram Seth of 'Frog and the Nightingale' fame should be proud.) In a recent breakthrough, scientists from the UK-based University of Wolverhampton and Wildlife Institute of India have announced the discovery of a new species of frog in India, near the Namdapha Tiger Reserve in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. Dubbed the "music frog" for its distinct call reminiscent of a wild duck's quack, this unique amphibian was identified during surveys conducted in 2022. Dr Deepak Veerappan, an expert from the university, described the frog's call pattern as consisting of two to three notes, closely resembling the familiar 'quack quack quack' of a wild duck. Also read | Faking death? Female frogs have unique sex strategy, they also avoid persistent males "This newly discovered frog, found near the Noa-Dihing river, grows up to six centimetres and is characterised by a pale, cream-coloured line on the mid-body," Dr Veerappan said in an official statement. How were these frogs discovered? The finding resulted from night-time searches conducted with torchlight in August and September 2022. This collaborative effort involved Indian biologists, forest experts, and researchers from the University's School of Life Sciences. This one marks the third consecutive discovery of a new amphibian species in the easternmost Tiger Reserve of India within a year. Named after the Noa-Dihing river, this unique frog underscores the significance of conserving habitats and their surrounding areas, Dr Veerappan said. Also watch | Europe's voracious appetite for frogs: Human consumption is threatening frog extinction × Researchers are now optimistic that further studies will reveal additional populations of the Noa-Dihing frog within the reserve, shedding light on the biodiversity of this ecologically important region. The marshy habitat in Arunachal Pradesh where this discovery was made, is dominated by a particular grass species called Rotala, in which the male frogs make circular pits almost like their private pools and call from the pits to attract female frogs. The interesting breeding, egg-laying and parental care, if any, still remain unknown for this interesting marsh-adapted frog species. (With inputs from agencies)

Ducks aren't that unique. 'Quack quack' calling frog with musical voice discovered in India

Police in the United Kingdom have recorded a 59 per cent increase in crimes of sadistic nature against swans, ducks and geese in two years between 2020 and 2022. The crimes include the decapitation of these waterfowl, to their being killed using&nbsp;fireworks and BB guns in ponds. The information has been acquired by The Guardian under freedom of information laws.

The report by the news outlet mentions how the birds were killed across the country.

<h2>Gruesome incidents</h2>

Police in Avon and Somerset found the remains of two swans in a blood-filled tub. In Dorset, a decapitated swan was found with an arrow in its body.

In Devon and Cornwall, three separate incidents of swans being decapitated were recorded. There was also a goose that had a stable door slammed and bolted on its neck.

In London, three more swans were reportedly found with their heads chopped off. &nbsp;

In Cumbria, a man was arrested for lifting a swan up by its neck and throwing it at someone.

In Merseyside, police were alerted about youths who reportedly shot fireworks into a duck pond.&nbsp;

In the village of Yatton, a large number of ducks were found tied and drowned.

There were 62 crimes against ducks, swans and geese between 2020 and 2022.

In 2022, there were 27 crimes against these birds. The number was up from 18 in 2021 and 17 in 2020. Half of the nationwide crimes took place in Essex, Merseyside, Devon and Cornwall.&nbsp;

The Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 protects the waterfowl and it is illegal to injure or kill them or destroy their nests and eggs. Those convicted of the crime can face six months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

“We say we’re a nation of animal lovers and yet every year we see wild animals in our wildlife centres and animal hospitals that have been badly injured or killed after being shot with a gun or catapult for ‘fun’ – or beaten, mutilated or poisoned," said a spokesperson for &nbsp;Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;

“Sadly, we suspect what we are seeing is just the tip of the iceberg, and there may be many more deliberately injured wild animals out there, which are never found and which die a drawn-out, painful death.

“There is no place for cruelty to animals in today’s society and we urge anyone who spots suspicious activity when out and about or sees anything online to consult the RSPCA website for advice, or to speak to Crimestoppers or their local police force.”

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Police in the United Kingdom have recorded a 59 per cent increase in crimes of sadistic nature against swans, ducks and geese in two years between 2020 and 2022.

Police in the United Kingdom have recorded a 59 per cent increase in crimes of sadistic nature against swans, ducks and geese in two years between 2020 and 2022. The crimes include the decapitation of these waterfowl, to their being killed using fireworks and BB guns in ponds. The information has been acquired by The Guardian under freedom of information laws. The report by the news outlet mentions how the birds were killed across the country. Gruesome incidents Police in Avon and Somerset found the remains of two swans in a blood-filled tub. In Dorset, a decapitated swan was found with an arrow in its body. In Devon and Cornwall, three separate incidents of swans being decapitated were recorded. There was also a goose that had a stable door slammed and bolted on its neck. In London, three more swans were reportedly found with their heads chopped off. In Cumbria, a man was arrested for lifting a swan up by its neck and throwing it at someone. In Merseyside, police were alerted about youths who reportedly shot fireworks into a duck pond. In the village of Yatton, a large number of ducks were found tied and drowned. There were 62 crimes against ducks, swans and geese between 2020 and 2022. In 2022, there were 27 crimes against these birds. The number was up from 18 in 2021 and 17 in 2020. Half of the nationwide crimes took place in Essex, Merseyside, Devon and Cornwall. The Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 protects the waterfowl and it is illegal to injure or kill them or destroy their nests and eggs. Those convicted of the crime can face six months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. “We say we’re a nation of animal lovers and yet every year we see wild animals in our wildlife centres and animal hospitals that have been badly injured or killed after being shot with a gun or catapult for ‘fun’ – or beaten, mutilated or poisoned," said a spokesperson for Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as quoted by The Guardian. “Sadly, we suspect what we are seeing is just the tip of the iceberg, and there may be many more deliberately injured wild animals out there, which are never found and which die a drawn-out, painful death. “There is no place for cruelty to animals in today’s society and we urge anyone who spots suspicious activity when out and about or sees anything online to consult the RSPCA website for advice, or to speak to Crimestoppers or their local police force.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Decapitated swans, drowned ducks: UK sees spike in crimes against waterfowl

It has been 10 years since the giant inflatable yellow duck captivated crowds in Hong Kong. The art installation returned to the city's Victoria Harbour on Friday as a double-bill exhibition. Stationed near Hong Kong's central district & Tamar Park, the ducks became a source of delight for dozens of bystanders.

Two giant rubber ducks debut in Hong Kong to spread 'double luck

In a tragic incident, a California man was killed after a car mowed him while assisting a family of ducks cross a busy highway.

The incident took place&nbsp;at Stanford Ranch Road and Park Drive in the city of Rocklin in the evening when 41-year-old Casey Rivara, identified as the victim, got out of his car and wore the good samaritan hat.&nbsp;

According to William Wimsatt, a 12-year-old boy who witnessed the kind gesture of&nbsp;Rivara, everyone was applauding him for the act.&nbsp;

“He got out of the car and was shooing the ducks and everyone was clapping because he was being really nice,” said Wimsatt.&nbsp;

“He helped them get up over the curb because all the little baby duckies were having trouble and then he walked in front of our car,” the boy recounted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-kamala-harris-motorcade-met-with-an-accident-transferred-to-another-vehicle-523107">WATCH |&nbsp;US: Kamala Harris' motorcade met with an accident, transferred to another vehicle</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-kamala-harris-motorcade-met-with-an-accident-transferred-to-another-vehicle-523107/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After the ducks were safely chaperoned by Rivara to the other side of the road, the onlookers appreciated him. However, it was at this moment, a car seemingly came out of nowhere and&nbsp;struck Rivara, which left him dead on the spot.&nbsp;

“I didn’t see the car actually hit him. All I remember is the sound and then him flying across the intersection.&nbsp;His shoes and one of his socks were right in front of our car.”

According to reports, Rivara&nbsp;was hit by a 17-year-old female driver while his teenage child watched from the family car. The police said the teen remained at the scene after the incident and is helping the authorities with the investigation.&nbsp;

<h2>Family starts a GoFundMe page</h2>

After the incident, a&nbsp;fundraiser campaign has been started by the grieving family of Rivara.&nbsp;

"Even his last act in this world was a sign of his compassion. The family is trying to figure out how to recover and keep going after this immense loss. If you would like to express your love and support for Angel and her family, we ask that you please contribute here in lieu of flowers, meals, and other acts of kindness," read the verified GoFundMe page.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jeff-bezos-reportedly-engaged-to-partner-lauren-sanchez-595292">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Jeff Bezos reportedly engaged to girlfriend Lauren Sánchez</a>

According to the family, Rivara was a devoted family man who fell 'madly' in love with his wife when the pair met at the age of 17. They had been together for the past 23 years.&nbsp;

“We have been deeply touched by the overwhelming love and support we’ve received for Casey Rivara and our family in these past few days,” widow Angel Chow was quoted as saying by NBC.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

In a tragic incident, a California man was killed after a car mowed him while assisting a family of ducks cross a busy highway. The incident took place at Stanford Ranch Road and Park Drive in the city of Rocklin in the evening when 41-year-old Casey Rivara, identified as the victim, got out of his car and wore the good samaritan hat.

In a tragic incident, a California man was killed after a car mowed him while assisting a family of ducks cross a busy highway. The incident took place at Stanford Ranch Road and Park Drive in the city of Rocklin in the evening when 41-year-old Casey Rivara, identified as the victim, got out of his car and wore the good samaritan hat. According to William Wimsatt, a 12-year-old boy who witnessed the kind gesture of Rivara, everyone was applauding him for the act. “He got out of the car and was shooing the ducks and everyone was clapping because he was being really nice,” said Wimsatt. “He helped them get up over the curb because all the little baby duckies were having trouble and then he walked in front of our car,” the boy recounted. WATCH | US: Kamala Harris' motorcade met with an accident, transferred to another vehicle × After the ducks were safely chaperoned by Rivara to the other side of the road, the onlookers appreciated him. However, it was at this moment, a car seemingly came out of nowhere and struck Rivara, which left him dead on the spot. “I didn’t see the car actually hit him. All I remember is the sound and then him flying across the intersection. His shoes and one of his socks were right in front of our car.” According to reports, Rivara was hit by a 17-year-old female driver while his teenage child watched from the family car. The police said the teen remained at the scene after the incident and is helping the authorities with the investigation. Family starts a GoFundMe page After the incident, a fundraiser campaign has been started by the grieving family of Rivara. "Even his last act in this world was a sign of his compassion. The family is trying to figure out how to recover and keep going after this immense loss. If you would like to express your love and support for Angel and her family, we ask that you please contribute here in lieu of flowers, meals, and other acts of kindness," read the verified GoFundMe page. ALSO READ | Jeff Bezos reportedly engaged to girlfriend Lauren Sánchez According to the family, Rivara was a devoted family man who fell 'madly' in love with his wife when the pair met at the age of 17. They had been together for the past 23 years. “We have been deeply touched by the overwhelming love and support we’ve received for Casey Rivara and our family in these past few days,” widow Angel Chow was quoted as saying by NBC. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tragic! California man killed by car while helping ducks cross road

Bird flu outbreak in southwest France "seems under control for now" said top government officials in the region on Thursday. The bird flu outbreak had required culling of hundreds of thousands of ducks in the region.&nbsp;

"If the situation stays the same, we should be able to fully control this outbreak -- though that doesn't mean that we won't have several more weeks of work in front of us," Fabienne Buccio, prefect for the Nouvelle-Aquitaine department, told a briefing in Bordeaux.

As of January 14, more than one million birds, mainly ducks had been culled to stop spread of devastating strain of bird flu.

Officials ordered the massive culls as well as strict travel restrictions and buffer zones around infected sites in the area, a bastion of France's lucrative foie gras industry.

Buccio said the "drastic" measures had proved "appropriate and effective", though she warned that a new surge could not be excluded.

The H5N8 bird flu was first detected on Corsica island &nbsp;in November&nbsp;

Overall 348 infected flocks have been detected -- in the Landes department alone, outbreaks have been discovered at 272 sites out of around 850 in total.

The government has promised compensation for poultry farmers who have already been hit by massive bird flu outbreaks in the winters of 2015-16 and 2016-17.

Besides France and Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Britain and Ireland have also reported bird flu outbreaks since the winter began.

Bird flu outbreak in southwest France "seems under control for now" said top government officials in the region on Thursday. The bird flu outbreak had required culling of hundreds of thousands of ducks in the region.

Bird flu outbreak in southwest France "seems under control for now" said top government officials in the region on Thursday. The bird flu outbreak had required culling of hundreds of thousands of ducks in the region. "If the situation stays the same, we should be able to fully control this outbreak -- though that doesn't mean that we won't have several more weeks of work in front of us," Fabienne Buccio, prefect for the Nouvelle-Aquitaine department, told a briefing in Bordeaux. As of January 14, more than one million birds, mainly ducks had been culled to stop spread of devastating strain of bird flu. Officials ordered the massive culls as well as strict travel restrictions and buffer zones around infected sites in the area, a bastion of France's lucrative foie gras industry. Buccio said the "drastic" measures had proved "appropriate and effective", though she warned that a new surge could not be excluded. The H5N8 bird flu was first detected on Corsica island in November Overall 348 infected flocks have been detected -- in the Landes department alone, outbreaks have been discovered at 272 sites out of around 850 in total. The government has promised compensation for poultry farmers who have already been hit by massive bird flu outbreaks in the winters of 2015-16 and 2016-17. Besides France and Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Britain and Ireland have also reported bird flu outbreaks since the winter began.

Bird flu outbreak in southwest France 'under control', say authorities

The two ducks resting on the plinth of a statue in front of Paris's Musee D'Orsay had struck out boldly from their usual habitat: to get there from the River Seine involves waddling across a four-lane highway.

What lockdown? Birds go out in Paris with humans in confinement

Brazil's first lady Marcela Temer leapt fully clothed into a lake at the presidential palace to rescue her pet dog -- then got roasted on social media.

The 34-year-old former beauty queen jumped into the lake after her Jack Russell named Picoly went after some ducks but struggled to get back out.

Although the drama occurred on April 22, it only became public this week.

Brazilian media and Twitter wits mocked the first lady's heroics, making the incident a top trending topic late Monday.

Given that her husband Michel Temer is the most unpopular president on record in Brazilian history, leftist blogger Leonardo Stoppa joked that Marcela's aim was not to save the dog but the duck.

"She despaired, because she saw one of Temer's few voters," he said in a YouTube broadcast.

Michel Temer, who is more than four decades older than his wife and embroiled in multiple corruption investigations, took another hit from blogger Jose Simao, who tweeted: "Marcela's dog tried to commit suicide! It couldn't put up with Temer!"

Referencing comparisons between Temer and vampires -- a jibe that took centre stage at this year's Rio carnival -- one tweeter said he wasn't surprised Marcela cared so much about animals.

"It's obvious," he wrote. "Because she married a BAT."

The 34-year-old former beauty queen, Marcela Temer, jumped into the lake after her Jack Russell named Picoly went after some ducks but struggled to get back out

Brazil's first lady Marcela Temer leapt fully clothed into a lake at the presidential palace to rescue her pet dog -- then got roasted on social media. The 34-year-old former beauty queen jumped into the lake after her Jack Russell named Picoly went after some ducks but struggled to get back out. Although the drama occurred on April 22, it only became public this week. Brazilian media and Twitter wits mocked the first lady's heroics, making the incident a top trending topic late Monday. Given that her husband Michel Temer is the most unpopular president on record in Brazilian history, leftist blogger Leonardo Stoppa joked that Marcela's aim was not to save the dog but the duck. "She despaired, because she saw one of Temer's few voters," he said in a YouTube broadcast. Michel Temer, who is more than four decades older than his wife and embroiled in multiple corruption investigations, took another hit from blogger Jose Simao, who tweeted: "Marcela's dog tried to commit suicide! It couldn't put up with Temer!" Referencing comparisons between Temer and vampires -- a jibe that took centre stage at this year's Rio carnival -- one tweeter said he wasn't surprised Marcela cared so much about animals. "It's obvious," he wrote. "Because she married a BAT."

Brazil first lady jumps into lake to rescue dog, gets roasted on social media

ducks

Ducks, News on Ducks, stories on Ducks, articles on Ducks, Ducks stories at Wion, Ducks news, Ducks latest news