Takydromus ultapanensis

Takydromus ultapanensis Latest News

Researchers recently discovered a new species of Asian grass lizard named Takydromus ultapanensis from Assam’s Manas Biosphere landscape.

About Takydromus ultapanensis

• It is a new species of Asian grass lizard.
• It was discovered in Assam’s Manas Biosphere landscape. 
• It was found in the Ultapani Reserve Forest in the Kokrajhar district.
• Unlike many of its congeners found in montane or subtropical habitats, T. ultapanensis inhabits lowland, semi-evergreen forests interspersed with waterlogged grasslands and fern patches.
• Researchers recorded the lizards basking on fern bushes in small open patches criss-crossed by seasonal water channels.
• Morphologically, the new species differs from its northeastern Indian relatives—including T. khasiensis and T. sikkimensis, in scale patterns, body proportions, and diagnostic head features.
• The fact that T. ultapanensis is currently known from a single forest range raises conservation concerns.

Source: NEN

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