Why in news?
Researchers have discovered a new species of bent‑toed gecko near Raimona National Park in Assam. The gecko has been named Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis after the park. Its discovery underscores the rich biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayan foothills.
Background
The genus Cyrtodactylus comprises a large group of geckos found across Asia. They are commonly called bent‑toed geckos because their slender toes are curved and lack the expanded adhesive pads seen in house geckos. More than 360 species have been described, many of them confined to small forest patches and limestone outcrops.
Details of the new species
- Distinctive features: C. raimonaensis has a moderate body size (around 7 cm snout‑to‑vent length) with reddish‑brown bands on its back. Its toes are curved and equipped with small pads for gripping mossy rocks. Rounded tubercles (small, raised bumps) cover its dorsal skin, providing camouflage.
- Habitat: The gecko was found near the Kachugaon region in Kokrajhar district, close to Raimona National Park. It lives on moss‑covered boulders and tree trunks in moist forests. Genetic and morphological analyses confirmed it as a new species.
- Significance: The discovery highlights that even degraded or less‑studied forest patches may harbour unique species. It also emphasises the need for continued exploration and conservation of the Eastern Himalayan foothills.
Raimona National Park
- Raimona was declared a national park in June 2021. It lies in western Assam along the India–Bhutan border and covers about 422 km².
- The park forms part of a continuous forest landscape with Bhutan’s Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.
- Habitats include moist sal forests, semi‑evergreen forests and riverine grasslands. The area shelters threatened species such as golden langur, Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, gaur and Himalayan black bear.
Source: The New Indian Express · India Today · Wikipedia · Raimona National Park
