Guwahati (Assam) [India], April 16 (HBTV): A team of Indian researchers from Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram has described a new species of bent-toed gecko, Cyrtodactylus jayadityai, from the lowland forests of North Tripura, marking a significant addition to India’s reptilian diversity.
According to a press release, the study was published in the European Journal of Taxonomy on April 14.
The discovery was made using an integrative approach combining morphological, statistical, and molecular analyses, confirming the species as distinct from its closest relative, Cyrtodactylus tripuraensis, with a genetic divergence of 4.7–5.2 per cent in the mitochondrial ND2 gene.
With this addition, the number of Cyrtodactylus species in Northeast India rises to 31, reinforcing the region’s global importance as part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
The species has been named in honour of Dr Jayaditya Purkayastha, a noted Indian herpetologist, in recognition of his contributions to reptile research and conservation in the region.
Expressing his gratitude, co-author Rupankar Bhattacharjee said, ‘I am happy that as a team from Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, we could honour my mentor by naming a species after him. He taught me every detail of the field and the importance of conservation. This species stands as a mark of his remarkable efforts—both past and those yet to come.’
First author Sanath Chandra Bohra emphasised the conservation implications, stating, ‘This discovery not only adds to the growing diversity of geckos in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot but also highlights the urgent need to conserve fragile forest ecosystems.’
Joint first author Arnab Deb said, ‘Cyrtodactylus jayadityai is not only my first species description, but it also holds a special place in my heart. I have admired Dr Jayaditya Purkayastha since my BSc days. This species is my way of expressing gratitude to my “Guru” for his invaluable contributions to herpetology.’
Highlighting the broader impact, HT Lalremsanga noted, ‘This discovery stands as a testament to the guidance provided to young Indian researchers by Dr Jayaditya Purkayastha, a dedicated scientist who rose from humble beginnings.’
Responding to the honour, Dr Jayaditya Purkayastha said, ‘I am truly honoured. I hope more people come forward to work on and conserve lesser-known animals like reptiles and amphibians, which form one of the fundamental pillars of our ecosystems.’
The newly described gecko is currently proposed to be categorised as Data Deficient under the IUCN Red List, indicating the need for further research on its population and distribution.
The finding highlights the rich but understudied biodiversity of Northeast India and the need to protect its rapidly degrading lowland forest habitats.
(ANI)