Discovery of Six Bent-Toed Gecko Species in Northeast India

Six new bent-toed geckos species have been discovered in northeastern India, a collaboration between the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment, and Natural History Museum London.

Discovery and Research Collaboration

Six new species of bent-toed geckos discovered in northeastern India
Collaborative effort involving Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment, and Natural History Museum London
Findings published in the journal Vertebrate Zoology
Research utilized morphological characteristics and molecular analyses
Discovery highlights the importance of international cooperation in biodiversity studies

Geographic Distribution and Habitat Diversity

New species found in four northeastern states: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram
Habitats range from lowland evergreen forests to subtropical cloud forests
Discoveries span different elevations, from lowlands to heights of 1300 meters above sea level
Species discovered in various protected areas:
- Namdapha and Kamlang Tiger Reserves (Arunachal Pradesh)
- Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary (Mizoram)
- Athibung Reserve Forest (Nagaland)
Some species found in less-studied areas:
- Abandoned jhum (shifting cultivation) lands
- Regenerating forests
- Areas near villages

Newly Discovered Species and Their Characteristics

a) Namdapha Bent-Toed Gecko:

Found in Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh
Widespread in lowland evergreen forests
Nocturnal, often seen perching on vegetation near forest streams

b) Siang River Bent-Toed Gecko:

Discovered in the Siang River valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Named after the river valley known for its unique biodiversity

c) Ngengpui Bent-Toed Gecko:

Found in Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary, Mizoram
Inhabits tropical semi-evergreen forests

d) Manipur Bent-Toed Gecko:

Discovered near Lamdan Kabui village, Manipur
Found perched on shrubs at moderate elevations

e) Kiphire Bent-Toed Gecko:

Located in Kiphire district, Nagaland
Inhabits regenerating jhum lands at 1300 meters elevation

f) Barail Hill Bent-Toed Gecko:

Found in Peren district, Nagaland
Inhabits the Athibung Reserve Forest in the Barail hill range
Lives in tropical to subtropical cloud forests

Significance and Implications

Reveals high species diversity in Northeast India, with nearly 30 endemic bent-toed gecko species identified
Indicates that the area south of the Brahmaputra River is ecologically richer than previously thought
Highlights the need for better documentation of biodiversity in protected areas
Emphasizes the importance of less-studied habitats in supporting undocumented species
Underscores the urgent need for continued ecological surveys in Northeast India
Fourth new species discovered by WII researchers in the last two years, highlighting the hyper-diversity of the Namdapha-Kamlang landscape
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu called for conservation efforts

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