Unusual toads found on Afghan border

Monday, 11 February, 2002, 05:21 GMT

German scientists say they have discovered a unique type of animal living in the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Their report, published in the scientific journal Nature Genetics, says they have encountered what are known as batura toads.

While most other species that reproduce sexually possess only two sets of chromosones - one from each parent - batura toads have three sets.

The scientists say they are baffled as to why the toads have evolved in this way.

They say that unusual phenomena of this type can often occur in isolated parts of the world, and they hope to conduct further explorations as soon as political tension in the Afghan border area eases.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service