Why In The News?

• A new species of bent-toed gecko has been discovered in the forested slopes of Jatinga, Barail Hills, in Dima Hasao district, Assam.
• The species has been named Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka in honour of the Assam Forest Department, recognising their role in protecting forests and biodiversity.

Key Characteristics & Significance

• The gecko belongs to the Cyrtodactylus khasiensis group, known for endemism and limited distribution to specific hill forests.
• Vanarakshaka comes from Sanskrit: vana means forest, rakshaka means protector – symbolic of the sacrifices made by forest staff in protecting natural habitats.
• With this discovery, the number of Cyrtodactylus species in Assam has risen to five.
• The discovery highlights the Barail Hills as an ecologically sensitive zone, stressing the need for greater biodiversity exploration and conservation.

Consider the following statements about Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka, the newly discovered gecko species in Assam:

1. It was discovered in the Barail Hills in Dima Hasao district.
2. It belongs to the Cyrtodactylus khasiensis group.
3. With its discovery, Assam now has six recorded species of Cyrtodactylus.
4. The name vanarakshaka is a tribute to the Assam Forest Department.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. a) 1, 2 and 4 only
   b) 2, 3 and 4 only
   c) 1 and 4 only
   d) All of the above

Answer: a)