Why In News?
Researchers discovered a new species of gecko named Cyrtodactylus dimensis in Assam.
What Is Cyrtodactylus dimensis?
It is a newly described species of nocturnal, forest-dwelling lizard belonging to the bent-toed gecko group under the family Gekkonidae.
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Scientific Classification: It belongs to the genus Cyrtodactylus (the largest genus of geckos globally) under the family Gekkonidae.
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Common Name: Bent-toed gecko or bow-fingered gecko (named after their slender, curved toes, which lack the dilated pad structure seen in house geckos).
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Discovery Site: It was discovered by researchers from Mizoram University in the Umrangso area of the Dima Hasao district in Assam.
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Ecological Hotspot: The habitat forms part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, a region highly recognized for high species endemism and species diversity.
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Biodiversity Significance: This discovery increases the total number of described Cyrtodactylus species recorded specifically from Assam to eight.
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Size: Like most regional bent-toed geckos, they are moderate-sized reptiles with an adult snout-vent length (SVL) averaging between 55 mm to 75 mm.
Source: THEPRINT
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements regarding Cyrtodactylus dimensis:
Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (a) Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Cyrtodactylus dimensis is a new species of bent-toed gecko. Statement 2 is correct: It was discovered in Umrangso, Dima Hasao district, Assam, located within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. Statement 3 is incorrect: The discovery brings the total number of described Cyrtodactylus species recorded in Assam to 8. |
