A team of researchers has discovered a new species of day gecko in Assam, naming it Cnemaspis brahmaputra in honor of the Brahmaputra River, which sustains the region’s rich biodiversity. Unlike most geckos in northeastern India, which are nocturnal, this species is diurnal—active during the day—making its discovery particularly significant.

Discovery and Significance

The new species was found near the Dirgheswari Temple on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra, opposite Guwahati. The findings were published in Taprobanica: The Journal of Asian Biodiversity, authored by researchers from India and Indonesia. The team included Amit Sayyed of Maharashtra’s Wildlife Protection and Research Society, A.A. Thasun Amarasinghe from Indonesia’s Research Centre for Biosystematics and Evolution, Madhurima Das and Rupankar Bhattacharjee from Assam Don Bosco University’s Department of Zoology, and Jayaditya Purkayastha of Help Earth, a biodiversity conservation group specializing in reptiles.

This discovery marks only the second recorded species of the Cnemaspis genus in Northeast India, the first being Cnemaspis assamensis, described in 2000. Both species belong to the podihuna clade, a group of small, diurnal geckos previously believed to be primarily found in Sri Lanka. The presence of these geckos in Assam suggests an ancient biogeographical connection between Sri Lanka and India’s northeast, highlighting historical faunal exchanges across the subcontinent.

Distinctive Features and Evolutionary Importance

Cnemaspis brahmaputra is genetically and morphologically distinct from its Sri Lankan relatives, indicating significant evolutionary divergence. Key distinguishing features include:

• A larger body size but fewer mid-body scale rows.
• More ventral scale rows across the belly.
• Absence of tubercles on the lower flanks.
• Three enlarged rows of thigh scales parallel to the femoral scale row.

The species is restricted to the Brahmaputra River valley, with Cnemaspis assamensis found on the opposite bank. The river likely acts as both a geographical barrier and an ecological corridor, facilitating speciation.

Naming the Species After the Brahmaputra

Jayaditya Purkayastha of Help Earth explained the decision to name the gecko after the Brahmaputra: “The river is not just an ecological lifeline but also a cultural symbol of the region. It has shaped Assam’s biodiversity by acting as a natural divider and a pathway for species dispersal.”

The discovery underscores the ecological importance of the Brahmaputra basin, which remains a hotspot for undocumented species. Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to uncover more hidden biodiversity in the region.

Conservation Implications

The identification of Cnemaspis brahmaputra adds to the growing list of endemic species in Northeast India, reinforcing the region’s status as a biodiversity hotspot. However, habitat destruction and climate change threaten these unique ecosystems. Scientists urge increased conservation efforts to protect such newly discovered species and their habitats.

Conclusion

The discovery of Cnemaspis brahmaputra highlights the rich yet understudied biodiversity of Assam. As researchers continue to explore the Brahmaputra Valley, more species may come to light, offering deeper insights into the evolutionary history of the Indian subcontinent. For now, this diurnal gecko stands as a testament to the region’s ecological wealth and the enduring influence of the mighty Brahmaputra.