DISCOVERY OF NEW BENT-TOED GECKOS IN NORTHEAST INDIA

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: In an exciting development for biodiversity, researchers from India and the United Kingdom have identified six new species of bent-toed geckos, belonging to the genus Cyrtodactylus, from Northeast India.

EXPLANATION:

  • This discovery was a collaborative effort involving scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE), and the Natural History Museum, London (NHM).
  • These findings underscore the rich and largely unexplored biodiversity of the region, which is known for its varied ecosystems and high levels of species endemism.

Geographical Distribution and Species Discovery

  • The new gecko species were discovered across four Northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram—highlighting the diverse habitats these regions offer.
  • Each state contributed two new species to this discovery, with the scientists documenting their presence across different elevations and forest types.

Arunachal Pradesh: Namdapha and Siang Valley Geckos

  • In Arunachal Pradesh, the Namdapha bent-toed gecko was found within the Namdapha Tiger Reserve, a well-known biodiversity hotspot.
  • This species thrives in lowland evergreen forests, often seen near forest streams, rocks, and dense vegetation.
  • Another species was discovered in the Siang Valley, a region celebrated for its unique biodiversity, particularly its forested landscapes that provide a distinct habitat for various species.

 Namdapha bent-toed gecko

Nagaland: Kiphire and Barail Hill Bent-Toed Geckos

  • Nagaland contributed two species—the Kiphire bent-toed gecko and the Barail Hill bent-toed gecko.
  • These species were found in habitats ranging from regenerating jhum land to reserved forests, situated between 740 meters and 1,300 meters above sea level.
  • Jhum, a traditional slash-and-burn agricultural practice, has created unique ecological conditions that support the survival and diversification of these geckos.

Mizoram: Ngengpui Bent-Toed Gecko

  • In Mizoram, the Ngengpui bent-toed gecko was discovered in the Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Lawngtlai district.
  • This sanctuary, one of the easternmost protected areas in India, is characterized by tropical semi-evergreen to moist evergreen forests.
  • These habitats are dominated by species of Dipterocarpus, along with palms, canes, and rattans, providing a rich environment for geckos and other species.

Manipur: Lamdan Bent-Toed Gecko

  • The Manipur bent-toed gecko was found near the Lamdan Kabui village, perched on a shrub along a road that connects Leimatak and Charoikhullen.
  • This species was observed at an elevation of approximately 1.5 meters, indicating its adaptability to the varied elevations and microhabitats within the region.

Biodiversity and Evolutionary Significance

  • These discoveries were the result of extensive surveys conducted from 2018 to 2022 across 22 different locations in Northeast India.
  • The identification of six new lineages through morphological and genetic analyses highlights the region’s complex biogeography and the evolutionary processes at play.
  • A scientist from Wildlife Institute of India (WII), emphasized that the species diversity south of the Brahmaputra River is particularly high, with each Northeastern state now hosting its own endemic bent-toed gecko species.
  • This brings the total number of bent-toed gecko species in the region to around 30, all of which are endemic, underscoring the importance of these areas for herpetological diversity.

Conservation Implications

  • The discovery of these gecko species within protected areas such as tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries illustrates the untapped biodiversity within these regions.
  • However, finding new species in reserved forests and even in abandoned jhum lands points to the ecological significance of these lesser-prioritized areas.
  • It highlights the need for conservation strategies that extend beyond the traditionally recognized protected areas, ensuring the protection of habitats that might otherwise be overlooked.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/scientists-discover-six-new-lineages-of-bent-toed-geckos-from-the-northeast

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