Why in news?
Researchers from Indian institutions have described a new species of bent‑toed gecko from the lowland forests of North Tripura. Named Cyrtodactylus jayadityai, the lizard adds to the growing list of discoveries from the biodiversity‑rich region and honours noted herpetologist Dr Jayaditya Purkayastha.
Background
Bent‑toed geckos (Cyrtodactylus spp.) are a diverse group of small lizards found across South and Southeast Asia. The newly described species was discovered during field surveys in North Tripura and formally described in the European Journal of Taxonomy in April 2026. Scientists used an integrative approach combining morphology and DNA analyses to differentiate it from closely related species.
Key characteristics
- Appearance: The gecko has a slender body, a long tail, and bands of brown and beige across its back. A distinctive pattern of dark blotches on the head and sides sets it apart from its relatives.
- Habitat: It lives in mixed moist deciduous to semi‑evergreen lowland forest in North Tripura, at 56–100 metres. It uses burrows in roadside mud bunds.
- Genetic divergence: DNA studies show the species differs by about 4.7–5.2 percent from its closest known relative, supporting its status as a distinct species.
- Conservation status: As it is known from a single locality, the researchers suggest classifying the gecko as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List until further surveys assess its distribution.
Significance
- Biodiversity hotspot: The discovery raises the number of Cyrtodactylus species recorded from northeastern India to 31, underscoring the region’s rich and under‑explored biodiversity.
- Conservation implications: Protecting lowland forests in Tripura is vital for safeguarding newly discovered and endemic species from habitat loss and fragmentation.
- Scientific collaboration: The integrative research highlights the value of combining fieldwork with morphological and DNA analysis to document and conserve India’s fauna.
Source: The Hindu