New Gecko Species discovery in Assam has brought fresh scientific attention to the biodiversity of Northeast India. Named Cnemaspis brahmaputra, this diurnal (day-active) lizard was found near the revered Dirgheswari Temple on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River. The identification of this new gecko not only adds to the growing list of endemic reptiles from the region but also provides new insight into ancient faunal links between distant geographical regions like Sri Lanka and Northeast India.
Discovery and Identification
The new gecko species, Cnemaspis brahmaputra, was described by a collaborative team of Indian and Indonesian researchers. It was found in a forest patch near the Dirgheswari Temple in Assam, a site known for its spiritual and ecological richness. Unlike the majority of gecko species in India, which are nocturnal, this species is active during the day—making it one of the rare diurnal geckos in the region.
Morphologically, Cnemaspis brahmaputra is distinct from its relatives in Sri Lanka. It exhibits a larger body size, fewer mid-body scale rows, more ventral scales, a lack of tubercles on the lower flanks, and a unique pattern of thigh scales. These characteristics highlight its evolutionary divergence and justify its classification as a separate species. Genetic analysis also confirmed that it belongs to the Cnemaspis podihuna clade—previously considered exclusive to Sri Lanka.
Biogeographic Significance
The discovery of this new gecko species is significant for understanding the biogeographic history of the Indian subcontinent. Scientists believe that this gecko is a living example of ancient faunal exchanges between Sri Lanka and Northeast India. Its presence supports the theory that, at some point in geological history, there was a dispersal or connection that enabled species to migrate and evolve separately in distant regions.
Interestingly, this is not the first Cnemaspis species found in the Brahmaputra Valley. Cnemaspis assamensis, discovered in 2000 on the opposite side of the river, also belongs to the same genus but is genetically distinct. The Brahmaputra River thus emerges as both a natural barrier and a corridor that shapes the distribution and evolution of species in the region.
Ecological and Cultural Importance
The naming of the species—Cnemaspis brahmaputra—honours the mighty Brahmaputra River, which is not only ecologically vital but also culturally significant. Flowing through the heart of Assam and other northeastern states, the Brahmaputra supports some of the richest riverine ecosystems in South Asia. These ecosystems are home to a range of endemic flora and fauna, many of which are still undocumented.
The Dirgheswari Temple, near which the species was discovered, adds another layer of cultural relevance. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Assam and symbolizes the deep interconnection between nature and spiritual traditions in the region. The presence of a new gecko species in such a culturally important location reinforces the idea that biodiversity conservation should also consider places of spiritual and traditional significance.
Conservation Implications
The discovery highlights the urgent need to protect Northeast India’s fragile ecosystems, especially the riverine and forested habitats along the Brahmaputra. These environments are under constant threat from infrastructure development, deforestation, and climate change. As new species like Cnemaspis brahmaputra continue to be discovered, the region is increasingly recognized as a biodiversity hotspot that requires immediate scientific and policy-level attention.
Moreover, the discovery underscores the importance of conducting scientific surveys in underexplored areas. With every new species found, we gain a deeper understanding of evolutionary processes, genetic diversity, and ecological balance. It also offers potential new data for global conservation frameworks and ecological research.
Conclusion
The new gecko species found in Assam is more than just a scientific milestone—it is a symbol of the hidden natural wonders that lie in India’s northeastern frontier. Cnemaspis brahmaputra enriches our understanding of biogeographic patterns, underscores the importance of the Brahmaputra River, and makes a compelling case for strengthening conservation efforts in the region. As the world grapples with biodiversity loss, discoveries like this remind us of the treasures that still await in the unexplored corners of the planet.
