Researchers have identified a new species of bent-toed gecko, Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis, in the Kachugaon area of Kokrajhar district, Assam, near Raimona National Park.

The discovery contributes to the documented reptile diversity of the region and highlights the ecological importance of Raimona National Park, which was designated as a protected area in 2021. The park is located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and is part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

According to the study, the species has been placed within the Cyrtodactylus khasiensis group based on morphological traits and ND2 mitochondrial gene sequence analysis. It is considered a sister lineage to Cyrtodactylus septentrionalis.

The newly described gecko exhibits a moderate adult size, with a maximum snout-vent length of 71.1 mm. It is characterized by rounded, bluntly conical, and weakly keeled dorsal tubercles arranged in 20 or 21 longitudinal rows, along with 36–38 paravertebral tubercles between the axilla and groin.

Other identifying features include 32–38 mid-ventral scale rows, 13 precloacal pores in males, and 13 precloacal pits in females. The fourth toe contains 17–20 subdigital lamellae, and the species lacks a single row of transversely enlarged subcaudal scales. Its body displays 7–8 pairs of dark dorsal blotches, while the tail shows alternating dark and light bands.

Researchers noted that the finding indicates the scope for further biological discoveries in the region and underscores the importance of continued scientific study and conservation efforts in Assam’s forested landscapes.