New Gecko Species Discovered In Assam Named After Forest Protectors

In a remarkable discovery, a new species of bent-toed gecko, scientifically named Cyrtodactylus Vanarakshaka, has been identified in the montane forests of Assam’s Dima Hasao district. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the find on September 11, 2025, noting its significance as a tribute to the Assam Forest Department. The announcement, coinciding with Forest Martyrs Day, celebrates the department’s vital role in safeguarding the state’s biodiversity.

The gecko’s name, derived from the Sanskrit words vana (forest) and rakshaka (protector), reflects the Assam Forest Department’s dedication to conserving forests and wildlife, particularly lesser-known species like amphibians and reptiles. The discovery, detailed in the Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity, was made by a team of researchers including Manmath Bharali, Krijoboti Thaosen, Mathipi Vabeiryureilai, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga, Jayaditya Purkayastha, Rupankar Bhattacharjee, Madhurima Das, and Sanath Chandra Bohra.

Found on the forested slopes of Jatinga in the Barail Hills, the species belongs to the Cyrtodactylus khasiensis group, known for its high endemism and restricted distribution.

Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the discovery as a “befitting tribute” to the forest staff, many of whom have sacrificed their lives protecting Assam’s natural heritage. In a social media post, he paid homage to these “unsung heroes,” emphasizing their role in preserving the state’s pristine forests.

This finding, increasing Assam’s known Cyrtodactylus species to five, underscores the importance of continued biodiversity surveys in the region’s ecologically rich hill ecosystems.

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