A team of wildlife researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying three new species of bent-toed geckos (Cyrtodactylus) in Nepal. The findings, recently published in the international scientific journal Zootaxa, highlight the rich biodiversity of the region and the need for further research on its reptilian inhabitants.
Breakthrough Discovery in Nepal’s Wildlife
A group of researchers, including Tejas Thackeray—son of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray—along with Nepali and international scientists, has identified three previously unknown species of bent-toed geckos in Nepal. The research paper was co-authored by Santosh Bhattarai, Bivek Gautam, Bishal Prasad Neupane, Akshay Khandekar, Tejas Thackeray, Ishan Agarwal, Frank Tillack, Ashley R. Olson, Fiona Hogan, and Wendy Weight.
Ishan Agarwal, a scientist with the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation (TWF), emphasized the significance of this discovery. “These findings are the result of extensive fieldwork in Nepal by our Nepali colleagues. Bent-toed geckos (Cyrtodactylus) represent the most diverse gecko genus and the second-most diverse vertebrate genus. Previously, only three species were known in Nepal, but we suspected that was due to insufficient sampling. Our research now confirms that Nepal is home to a greater diversity of bent-toed geckos than previously recognized.”
Scientific Findings and Classification
According to the study published in Zootaxa, researchers conducted a comprehensive review of Nepal’s Cyrtodactylus species. The study led to the synonymization of one species and the identification of three new ones in central Nepal. The findings suggest that the five known Cyrtodactylus species in Nepal belong to the Indo-Burma clade and show a genetic divergence of at least 11.7% from their closest relatives based on mitochondrial ND2 gene analysis.
The research indicates that C. nepalensis and one of the newly discovered species belong to the C. fasciolatus group, while the remaining two new species and C. martinstolli fall under the mountain subclade within the khasiensis group. The distinguishing characteristics of these new species include variations in body size, dorsal tubercle rows, mid-ventral scale count, and the number and arrangement of pores in males and females.
Introducing the Newly Discovered Species
In an Instagram post by TWF, the discovery was described as their first international scientific breakthrough, achieved through collaboration between researchers from Nepal, Australia, Germany, and India. The newly classified species have been named as follows:
- Cyrtodactylus chitwanensis – Named after Chitwan National Park, a renowned biodiversity hotspot in Nepal.
- Cyrtodactylus annapurnaensis – Named in honor of the majestic Annapurna Range.
- Cyrtodactylus karanshahi – Named to recognize Karan Shah, one of Nepal’s leading herpetologists.
“This remarkable discovery showcases Nepal’s incredible biodiversity and underscores the importance of conservation and further research,” the TWF statement read. “This is a proud moment for the entire team, and what a way to celebrate World Wildlife Day!”
The Importance of Conservation and Future Research
With Nepal’s diverse ecosystems and unique geography, scientists believe there is still much to explore in the field of herpetology. The discovery of these gecko species highlights the importance of continued research and conservation efforts in the country. Experts stress that habitat preservation and further field studies are crucial to understanding and protecting Nepal’s reptilian biodiversity.
For more updates on Nepal’s wildlife discoveries, visit Nepal Monitor.
