Context

A new gecko species found in Meghalaya named after Indian Army.

About the new species:

• The new species was recorded from Umroi Military Station in Ri-Bhoi district,
• Its scientific name was given as Cyrtodactylus exercitus (in Latin, exercitus   means army).
  • The name was given to honour the Indian army for its service to the nation.
• The English name of the species was given as the Indian army’s bent-toed gecko.
  
  
• The genus Cyrtodactylus is represented by around 320 species worldwide and is the third most speciose vertebrate genus in the world.
• The members of the genus range from South Asia to Melanesia with high diversity in south Asia.
• North East India is now home to 16 species of bent-toed gecko.

Another new species:

• The new species from Mizoram were given the scientific name Cyrtodactylus siahaensis and English name Siaha bent-toed gecko.
• The species was named after Siaha (district capital of Siaha District), where the species was found. 
• The suggested local name is Khotlia (which means bent-toed geckos in Mara ethnic language).
• This species was found from the type locality near human settlements of Siaha town.
• Being a strictly nocturnal species, they are most active two to five hours after dark.