New bent-toed gecko species Cyrtodactylus jayadityai discovered in North Tripura forests, expanding regional biodiversity. Study reveals genetic uniqueness, restricted habitat near Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary, and highlights conservation concerns in Northeast India’s ecologically sensitive Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
A newly documented reptile species has been identified in the forested landscapes of North Tripura, marking a notable addition to the biodiversity of Northeast India. The discovery, detailed in the European Journal of Taxonomy, introduces a previously unknown bent-toed gecko that underscores the ecological richness of the Indo-Burma region.
The species, named Cyrtodactylus jayadityai, was described through a comprehensive scientific process integrating morphological traits, statistical evaluation, and molecular phylogenetic analysis. The research was carried out by a team of scientists including Sanath Chandra Bohra, Arnab Deb, Goldenstar Thongni, Rupankar Bhattacharjee, Lal Biakzuala, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga, Pranjal Swargiay, and Rita Roy.
Scientists have placed the new species within the Cyrtodactylus khasiensis group, noting its closest genetic relationship with Cyrtodactylus tripuraensis. However, genetic sequencing of the mitochondrial ND2 gene revealed a distinct divergence ranging between 4.7 and 5.2 percent, confirming it as a separate species. Morphological distinctions were also identified, particularly in reproductive features such as precloacal-femoral pores in males and pre-cloacal pits in females.
Fieldwork for the study was conducted between August 2024 and September 2025 in lowland forest habitats near Chamtilla village in North Tripura. Additional comparative samples were collected from Gomati district and neighboring Meghalaya. Researchers obtained necessary permissions from the state forest department before conducting specimen collection.
Laboratory analysis involved DNA extraction from preserved tissue samples followed by sequencing of a partial ND2 gene region. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using Maximum Likelihood methods, while statistical tools such as ANOVA and principal component analysis helped distinguish the new species from closely related taxa.
The known habitat of Cyrtodactylus jayadityai is currently restricted to a small geographical range of approximately 8 to 12 square kilometres. This includes forest patches near Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining reserve forests along the Assam-Tripura border. Researchers observed that the species prefers moist deciduous to semi-evergreen forests, often inhabiting burrows and crevices along roadside mud bunds.
Field observations indicate that the gecko is nocturnal, becoming active after dusk and occupying varying heights above ground level. Its diet primarily consists of arthropods such as cockroaches and spiders, suggesting its role in maintaining ecological balance within its habitat.
Due to limited data on its population size and distribution, scientists have proposed categorizing the species as Data Deficient under the IUCN Red List criteria. However, its restricted range raises concerns about potential vulnerability to habitat disturbances, especially in regions undergoing environmental changes.
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The genus Cyrtodactylus belongs to the family Gekkonidae and is recognized as one of the most species-rich vertebrate groups, with more than 350 species spread across South and Southeast Asia. Northeast India remains a critical zone within this distribution, contributing significantly to global biodiversity.
Researchers highlighted that advancements in molecular biology and systematic taxonomy have accelerated the discovery of new species in recent years. The identification of Cyrtodactylus jayadityai adds to this growing body of knowledge and reinforces the importance of continued ecological exploration in the region.
