A new species of bent-toed gecko has been discovered in Assam’s Kokrajhar district near Raimona National Park. The species has been named Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis, linking it directly to the protected area. The discovery adds another reptile species to India’s biodiversity record and underlines the ecological value of the Eastern Himalayan foothills.
Discovery and Naming
The gecko was identified by a joint research effort involving Help Earth, Wildlife Trust of India, Cotton University and Assam Don Bosco University. The species name honours Raimona National Park, reflecting the location where it was found. The finding has been published in the journal Zootaxa, a recognised platform for taxonomic research.
Significance for Assam’s Biodiversity
Bent-toed geckos belong to the genus Cyrtodactylus, a diverse group of lizards distributed widely across Asia. The discovery is important because it strengthens Assam’s reputation as a biodiversity-rich state. It also indicates that relatively less explored habitats in the region may still contain undocumented species.
Raimona National Park’s Ecological Value
Raimona was declared a national park in June 2021. It lies in the Eastern Himalayan foothills and forms part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. Such regions are known for high species richness and endemism. The discovery suggests that Raimona has strong potential for further scientific surveys and conservation-focused research.
Conservation and Research Importance
The finding marks the need to protect forest habitats in Assam. New species discoveries help improve understanding of local ecosystems and support conservation planning. They also show the importance of field-based taxonomy in identifying and documenting India’s lesser-known wildlife.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026