New Gecko Species Discovered in Assam's Kokrajhar District
A new species of gecko has been identified in Assam's Kokrajhar district, specifically near Raimona National Park, significantly enhancing the state's documented biodiversity. The species, scientifically named Cyrtodactylus Raimonaensis, was recorded from the Kachugaon area in Kokrajhar and formally described by a dedicated research team.
Research and Publication Details
The findings of this discovery were published in the esteemed scientific journal Zootaxa, providing a detailed account of the species' characteristics and habitat. According to field observations, these geckos were predominantly found on tree trunks, fallen logs, and the forest floor, typically inhabiting moist and shaded environments close to streams.
The species exhibits primarily nocturnal behavior, with peak activity levels commencing several hours after sunset. This discovery occurred in a non-protected forest fragment situated at the confluence of the India-Burma and eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspots, an area that remains largely under-explored by scientists.
Conservation Recommendations and Team Composition
Due to limited information regarding its distribution and population size, the researchers have proposed a 'data deficient' status under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria. They have strongly advocated for more extensive surveys across the Raimona landscape and adjacent regions to better understand and protect this newly found species.
The research team responsible for this significant discovery includes Bijay Basfore, Manmath Bharali, Rathin Barman, Sanatan Deka, Nazrul Islam, Arnab Deb, Jayaditya Purkayastha, Rupankar Bhattacharjee, Madhurima Das, Arup Kumar Hazarika, Anjana Singha Naorem, and Sanath Chandra Bohra.
