Cyrtodactylus jayadityai

Why in News?

A team of researchers has described a new species of bent-toed gecko from Tripura.

• It is a new bent-toed gecko species discovered in Tripura.

Geckos are small, mostly carnivorous lizards known for their incredible climbing skills and unique vocalizations.

• Nomenclature - Named after their Assam-based herpetologist mentor Jayaditya Purkayastha.
• Genus - Cyrtodactylus, commonly known as bent-toed geckos, widely distributed across Asia.
• Closest relative - Cyrtodactylus tripuraensis, based on mitochondrial DNA data.
• Habitat - Inhabits lowland forest patches in North Tripura district, occupying a highly restricted range of 8-12 square km.
• Behaviour - It is primarily nocturnal, emerging at night to forage and retreating into burrows and crevices during the day.
• Classification - The researchers categorised the gecko as ‘data deficient’ due to limited data on its distribution and exposure to habitat disturbance.
• Threats -Increasing human activity and environmental degradation.

Reference

The Hindu | Cyrtodactylus jayadityai