ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Scientists and researchers have discovered six new species of bent-toed gecko, a type of small lizard, in the northeastern region recently.
The finding was published in the latest issue of Vertebrate Zoology, a journal of a reputed Germany-based nature research organization.
Two of the new species were found in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland each, while one each was discovered in Manipur and Mizoram.
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The discoveries were made in tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, reserve forests and abandoned ‘jhum’ (shifting cultivation) areas in the four northeastern states last month.
Scientists and researchers from Dehradun-based Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment, and London-based Natural History Museum discovered the new species.
The discovery of six new species of the bent-toed gecko from northeastern India demonstrates the hidden diversity and emphasizes the need for further exploration of the region, the WII said in a statement.
Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu also called for conservation efforts.
“Arunachal Pradesh is a treasure trove of biodiversity, boasting an array of fauna. The discovery of two species of lizard by scientists and researchers of @wii_india, @atree_org & @NHM_London, further adds to our remarkable diversity. Let us conserve them for future generations,” Khandu posted in X.
