A recent research has unveiled 6 new lineages of Bent-toed geckos from Northeast India.
About Bent-toed geckos:
- New Species Found: Six new species of bent-toed geckos, belonging to the genus Cyrtodactylus, have been described.
- Geographic Distribution:
- Arunachal Pradesh: Two species (Namdapha and Siang Valley geckos).
- Nagaland: Two species (Kiphire and Barail Hill geckos).
- Manipur: One species (near Lamdan Kabui village).
- Mizoram: One species (Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary).
- Habitats:
- Found in lowland evergreen forests, tropical semi-evergreen forests, and moist evergreen forests.
- Specific locations include forest streams, rocks, and vegetation.
- Behavior: Nocturnal species, often found along forest streams and vegetation.
Significance of Discovery
- Biodiversity: The new species underscore the hidden diversity of Northeast India.
- Endemism: Each Northeastern state now hosts its own endemic bent-toed gecko species.
- Species Count: Approximately 30 species of bent-toed geckos are now known from the Northeast, all of which are endemic.
Importance of Protected Areas
- Protected Areas: Discoveries from tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries reveal poorly documented biodiversity within these regions.
- Additional Habitats: New species found in reserved forests and abandoned jhum lands emphasize the importance of these less-prioritized areas for undocumented biodiversity.
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Question:
What genus do the six new species of bent-toed geckos belong to?
The six new species of bent-toed geckos belong to the genus Cyrtodactylus.
Where are the new species of bent-toed geckos found in Northeast India?
The new species of bent-toed geckos are found in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram in Northeast India.
What types of habitats do bent-toed geckos prefer?
Bent-toed geckos prefer lowland evergreen forests, tropical semi-evergreen forests, and moist evergreen forests, as well as specific locations like forest streams, rocks, and vegetation.
What is the behavior of bent-toed geckos?
Bent-toed geckos are nocturnal species that are often found along forest streams and vegetation in their habitats.
What is the significance of the discovery of the new bent-toed gecko species?
The discovery of the new bent-toed gecko species highlights the hidden diversity of Northeast India, with each state now hosting its own endemic species, adding to the overall species count of approximately 30.