Guwahati, Oct 29 (PTI) A new gecko species has been discovered in Assam's Dima Hasao district by Mizoram University researchers, state Forest and Climate Change Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said on Thursday.
In a social media post, he said that the new reptile variant was discovered in the rocky habitats of Umrangso, highlighting the importance of scientific research in uncovering lesser-known wildlife.
"Researchers from Mizoram University identified the new species, named Cyrtodactylus diamensis, belonging to the gecko genus Cyrtodactylus," Baruah said.
The discovery was published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa, bringing scientific attention to the unique reptiles inhabiting the region's rocky landscapes, he added.
The study was conducted by Mizoram University researchers Krijotiya Thaochen, Mathipi Vabeirureilai, Mara Duaa Hlychho and Hmar Flawte.
"They examined specimens collected during August 2025 and July 2026, covering seven nights of fieldwork. The researchers recorded specimens in microhabitats around Umrangso, including rocky areas, examined their physical features and genetic characteristics, and established their identity," Baruah said.
The new species was found to be closely related to 'Cyrtodactylus arunachalensis' but differs in its genetic makeup and morphological characteristics, he added.
The discovery demonstrates how careful field surveys and modern scientific methods can reveal previously undocumented life forms in the region, he said.
Baruah further said, "For Assam, this finding is another reminder of the ecological value of its diverse landscapes. The rocky habitats of Dima Hasao are not merely geological formations; they also support specialised wildlife that may remain unknown without dedicated research and conservation efforts."
As the natural heritage is continued to be explored, protecting these habitats becomes increasingly important, he added.
"Supporting biodiversity research, conserving unique ecosystems and encouraging collaboration among scientists can help us understand and safeguard the extraordinary variety of life across Assam and the Northeast," the minister said.
Every new species discovered deepens the understanding of nature and strengthens the responsibility to protect it, he added.
"From our forests and wetlands to our rocky hillsides, every habitat has a story waiting to be discovered," Baruah said.
