Assam: New Day Gecko Species Discovered on Brahmaputra Banks, Named Cnemaspis Brahmaputra

GUWAHATI: Marking a notable breakthrough in regional biodiversity studies, a new species of day gecko has been discovered along the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Assam. The newly identified species, Cnemaspis brahmaputra, has been named in tribute to the mighty river that nourishes the area's rich and diverse ecosystem.

This discovery is only the second known species of its kind found in Northeast India, underlining the ecological significance of the Brahmaputra basin. Experts regard this discovery as an essential advancement in regional wildlife studies while serving as a critical reminder about the necessity to protect its distinctive natural environments.

Sharing the news on his official X handle, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote, “New addition to Assam's rich biodiversity! A new species of day gecko has been discovered on the banks of the Brahmaputra & named Cnemaspis brahmaputra. This is only the 2nd species of such kind recorded in the Northeast. Congratulations to all the researchers behind this discovery.”

Meanwhile, a group of herpetologists has discovered a new frog species in the Garbhanga Reserve Forest, a major biodiversity hotspot close to Guwahati, Assam. The new species, Leptobrachium aryatium, is named in honour of Arya Vidyapeeth College because of the researchers' affiliation with it.

The frog is identified by its orange-and-black eyes, clear throat marks, and a unique melodious call that resonates at dusk. The findings were published in the April 14 edition of Zootaxa, a respected journal based in New Zealand that focuses on animal taxonomy.

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