Great news from Assam! A new species of bent-toed gecko, a kind of lizard, has now been discovered near Raimona National Park. The new species has been named Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis, after the park itself. Here is everything you need to know about this species and how this discovery is important for Assam’s rich biodiversity.
New Gecko Species Found Near Raimona National Park In Assam
A remarkable discovery from Assam.
A new species of gecko, Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis, has been found near Raimona National Park in Kokrajhar district, and named after the park itself, highlighting the rich biodiversity of our state.
We will continue to protect these habitats… pic.twitter.com/iW9NMXliDV
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 13, 2026
Assam is known for its rich wildlife and biodiversity, and now it has got a new addition. Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently took to his official X account to make the announcement. A new species of gecko has been found near Raimona National Park in the Kokrajhar district. Authorities have now named it Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis, after the park itself. Moreover, the Chief Minister called it “a remarkable discovery from Assam” and highlighted the rich biodiversity of the state.
According to India Today, researchers Bijay Basfore, Manmath Bharali, Rathin Barman and their team found the tiny gecko in the Kachugaon region in Kokrajhar district. It was spotted in a nearby patch of degraded forest. This highlights how even unexpected places can be home to these unique species.
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What Makes This Gecko Species Unique
As per a report by India Today, this gecko discovered near Raimona National Park belongs to the Cyrtodactylus genus, one of the largest groups of geckos in the world. These species are known for their slender and curved toes, which help them grip surfaces easily. They are also known for their light-coloured body and chocolate-brown bands on them that help them camouflage in forests. Cyrtodactylus genus geckos are mostly nocturnal and can be found on trees and rocky surfaces.
Their discovery in Assam is definitely a big deal. The reason? It highlights the region’s immense biodiversity and shows how there are still many hidden species waiting to be found. The new species will also be added to Assam’s growing list of unique lizards. Not many know, but Northeast India is a global hotspot for reptiles, and many species remain undiscovered.
The Chief Minister also wrote on X that they will continue to protect these habitats and support scientific research. This will ensure that Assam’s natural heritage is preserved and better understood for generations to come.
This new discovery of a gecko near Raimona National Park proves that Assam knows how to take care of its forests and wildlife!
Cover Image Courtesy: @himantabiswa/X
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Where is Raimona National Park?
Raimona National Park is located in the Kokrajhar district of Assam, India. It is home to many wildlife species like Golden Langur, Asian elephants, Royal Bengal Tigers, Clouded Leopards and more.
What is a gecko?
Geckos are small nocturnal lizards that are known for their sticky toes.
What is Assam known for?
Assam is known for its tea gardens, rich biodiversity, national parks and a rich culture.