In a remarkable discovery, researchers have identified a new species of gecko from Assam, naming it Cnemaspis brahmaputra after the iconic Brahmaputra River. The lizard was discovered in the forests of the Chirang district, located in the western part of Assam.

What sets this species apart is its diurnal nature - it is active during the day, unlike most geckos in India’s northeast which are nocturnal. This behavioral trait adds ecological significance to the species and provides insights into evolutionary adaptations in the region’s reptile fauna.

The discovery was led by a team of herpetologists who published their findings in a peer-reviewed journal, emphasizing the biodiversity richness of the Eastern Himalayan foothills and adjoining areas. The species also exhibits unique morphological traits, including scale patterns and coloration, which differentiate it from other Cnemaspis geckos.

This marks yet another addition to India’s growing list of endemic reptiles and highlights the importance of continued wildlife research and habitat protection in Northeast India.