Guwahati: Dima Hasao, a remote hill district in Assam long associated with the eerie mystery of mass bird deaths in Jatinga, is now in the spotlight for a discovery that brings a different story—one of life and resilience. Scientists have described a brand-new species of bent-toed gecko, Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka sp. nov., from the forests of Haflong.
The reptile, measuring just about 6.5 cm, was found clinging to rocky outcrops and forested hill slopes between 300 and 600 meters.
“The specific epithet vanarakshaka is derived from the Sanskrit words vana, meaning ‘forest,’ and rakshaka, meaning ‘protector’ or ‘guardian.’ It is intended as a tribute to the Assam Forest Department, referred to here as vanarakshaka—the protectors of forests. The name acknowledges the department’s crucial role in conserving biodiversity and safeguarding natural habitats across the state,” the authors say.
“This gecko is more than a new name in science—it is a tribute to those who protect our wild places,” said co-author Jayaditya Purkayastha.
Detailed genetic analysis confirmed that the species is distinct from its closest relatives in Nagaland and the Barail Hills, showing more than 11% genetic divergence. Morphological comparisons also revealed unique features in body scales and color patterns, securing its status as a species new to science.
The discovery was published in the Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity, marking an important addition to Assam’s growing list of reptiles. With this find, Assam now hosts at least five species of Cyrtodactylus, a genus known for its high diversity in Northeast India.
Dima Hasao, part of the Barail Hill range, remains one of the least-studied regions of Assam. Its terrain, marked by deep valleys, limestone caves, and forested ridges, is a reservoir of undocumented species. Surveys in recent years have hinted at the region’s rich biodiversity, but logistical challenges and limited research have kept it understudied compared to Kaziranga or Manas.
Despite its biodiversity wealth, Dima Hasao faces mounting threats. Expanding human settlements, deforestation, shifting cultivation, and infrastructure projects continue to fragment habitats. The researchers emphasize that while the gecko has been found in multiple locations around Haflong, its range is still limited, and any further degradation could put the species at risk before its ecology is fully understood.
For decades, Dima Hasao has been synonymous with the “bird suicide” mystery of Jatinga, where migratory birds become disoriented by lights and crash into the ground. The discovery of Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka offers a different narrative for the hill district—one that highlights resilience, diversity, and the quiet guardians of the forest.
In celebrating the new species, scientists hope the story inspires renewed attention to the district’s ecological importance. After all, in the dense forests of Assam’s hills, the smallest creatures often tell the biggest stories about survival and conservation.
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