New Species Discovery: Cyrtodactylus jayadityai

A new species of bent-toed gecko, Cyrtodactylus jayadityai, has been discovered in Tripura, expanding the herpetofauna catalog of Northeast India.

Research Details

• The new species is named after Jayaditya Purkayastha, a prominent herpetologist from Assam.
• The discovery is documented in the European Journal of Taxonomy.
• Research was conducted from August 2024 to September 2025 in Tripura and Meghalaya.
• Authors include Sanath Chandra Bohra, Rupankar Bhattacharjee, Lal Biakzuala, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga, Pranjal Swargiary, and Rita Roy.
• Organizations involved are from Guwahati, Agartala, Mizoram University, and institutions in Meghalaya.

Species Identification

• Identified through morphological, statistical, and molecular analyses.
• Mitochondrial DNA data shows 4.7-5.2% genetic divergence from Cyrtodactylus tripuraensis.
• Highlights the complex biogeography of the Indo-Burmese region.

Habitat and Behavior

• Inhabits lowland forest patches in North Tripura district.
• Restricted range of 8-12 square kilometers.
• Nocturnal behavior: forages at night, retreats into burrows during the day.

Conservation Status

• Currently categorized as 'data deficient'.
• Potentially threatened due to limited distribution and habitat disturbance.

Significance of the Discovery

• Part of the diverse Cyrtodactylus khasiensis group.
• Confirms presence of Cyrtodactylus khasiensis in South West Khasi Hills district.
• Increases the number of Cyrtodactylus species in Northeast India to 31.
• Emphasizes Northeast India as a hotspot for herpetofaunal research and conservation.