New frog species named after Star Trek captains because of unique characteristics

Frogs and Star Trek don't go together. When you think of one, you certainly don't think of the other, but that might change with the discovery of a new frog species found in Madagascar. In a study published in Vertebrate Zoology, scientists have declared that these particular frogs may be familiar to Star Trek fans because of the sounds they make. [via Independent.co.uk] Instead of the usual croaking sound you'd hear from an ordinary frogs, these frogs emit whistling sounds that are remarkably similar to a boatswain's whistle you'd have heard on the bridge of a starship. If that's not enough, they also sound like a tricorder.

Scientists were convinced enough that the frog calls were similar enough to the "sound effects from the sci-fi television series Star Trek" that they have named the newly discovered frogs after the captains of Starfleet we all know the best—Kirk, Picard, Sisko, Janeway, Archer, Burnham, and Pike.

If you're thinking of a taking a trip to Madagascar in an effort to find and possibly record these frogs, good luck. Scientists say they aren't easily accessible and that it "requires a bit of trekking" to find them.

"We had to undertake major expeditions to remote forest fragments and mountain peaks. There’s a real sense of scientific discovery and exploration here, which we think is in the spirit of Star Trek."

- Dr. Miguel Vences

Each of the seven species with their high-ranking names have a unique series of whistles they use, which is why they were named separately. This allows researchers to identify the frogs by their names.

Captain Janeway and Lt. Tom Paris didn't get the chance to name their salamander babies, but at least these frogs have been given proper identification. And I know I can't be the only Trek fan that wants to hear them!