Assam Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary on Monday announced the discovery of a new species of bent-toed gecko in the state, adding to Assam's rich biodiversity.

The newly identified species, named Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis, has been discovered in the Kachugaon region of Kokrajhar district, near Raimona National Park.

According to the research paper, the new species has been described based on its physical features and genetic data. It belongs to the Cyrtodactylus khasiensis group and is closely related to another species found in the region. The gecko is of moderate size and has distinct characteristics such as rows of small bumps on its back, specific scale patterns, and dark blotches along its body, along with a banded tail.

The study states that bent-toed geckos (Cyrtodactylus) are among the most diverse groups of vertebrates. They are widely found across South and Southeast Asia and are known for their ability to adapt to different environments. Many of these species are found only in limited areas, especially in unique habitats like forests and rocky landscapes.

Sharing the development, the minister said the discovery not only adds to Assam’s reptile diversity but also brings attention to the vast and still unexplored biodiversity of Raimona, which was declared a national park in 2021.