Assam Forest Department Honoured with New Gecko Species Name

Swift Summary

• A new bent-toed gecko species, Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka, has been discovered in the montane forests of Dima Hasao district, Assam.
• The gecko was described by eight researchers, including Manmath Bharali and Jayaditya Purkayastha, and their findings were published in the Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity.
• The species was spotted in Jatinga’s forested slopes within the Barail Hills-a distinctive ecological transition zone-and belongs to the Cyrtodactylus khasiensis group known for endemism.
• Named as a tribute to Assam’s Forest Department, “vanarakshaka” combines Sanskrit words meaning “forest protector,” honoring efforts toward biodiversity conservation and sacrifices made by frontline staff.
• This finding raises the number of known Cyrtodactylus species in Assam to five and underscores the meaning of surveys in hill ecosystems.

indian Opinion Analysis

the discovery of Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka reflects both scientific progress and environmental appreciation within India’s northeastern region. Its naming highlights collaboration between researchers and goverment stakeholders like Assam’s Forest Department, showcasing mutual efforts for wildlife protection often under-discussed domains such as amphibians and reptiles.This addition enriches understanding of biodiversity hotspots such as Dima hasao’s Barail Hills while reiterating concerns around restricted distributions seen among endemic species. Such findings underscore India’s biological richness but also call attention to fragile ecosystems requiring sustained conservation focus amid mounting ecological pressures.Read more: Original Article Link