Published: 22nd Feb, 2022
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.
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