New Gecko species

About New Gecko species

• The new species has been named ‘Cyrtodactylus vairengtensis’ after the town in Mizoram where it was found.
• The common name suggested for the new species is ‘Vairengte bent-toed gecko’.
• The distinct feature of this new species is the number of femoral pores which distinguishes it from other members of the Cyrtodactylus family.
  • Femoral pores are located on the underside of the hind legs in lizards that secrete a mixture of lipids and proteins and are thought to be used to attract mates and mark territories.
• It is endemic to Mizoram, taking the number of geckos native to the state to 6, and 22 across northeast India.
• There are 335 gecko species across the world, of which 42 are found in India.

What is Gecko?

• These are reptiles and are found on all the continents except Antarctica.
• These colorful lizards have adapted to habitats from rainforests, to deserts, to cold mountain slopes.
• These are mostly small, usually nocturnal reptiles.
• Geckos are spread across six families: Carphodactylidae, Diplodactylidae, Eublepharidae, Gekkonidae, Phyllodactylidae, and Sphaerodactylidae. 

Q1) What are Reptiles?

These are a diverse group of vertebrates known for their scaly skin, laying soft-shelled eggs, and generally cold-blooded nature. They encompass a wide range of species, from crocodiles and alligators to turtles, snakes, and lizards.

Source: Scientists, researchers discover new gecko species endemic to Mizoram