A new species of gecko, named Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis, was discovered in a forest fragment near Assam’s Kokrajhar district, close to Raimona National Park, Assam. The discovery highlights the rich and still unexplored biodiversity of Northeast India, particularly within the Eastern Himalayan region.
The naming of the species after Raimona underscores the park’s growing importance as a biodiversity hotspot and conservation landscape.
Significance of Discovery
- Indicates high endemism and ecological richness in the Eastern Himalayas
- Reinforces Raimona’s role as a critical habitat for lesser-known and nocturnal species
- Highlights the importance of forest fragments and microhabitats in biodiversity conservation
- Strengthens the case for continued scientific exploration and conservation efforts
About Raimona National Park
Raimona National Park is located in the Kokrajhar district of Assam within the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), along the India–Bhutan border. It lies in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and represents one of India’s most important biodiversity zones.
- Officially Declared as National Park: June 5, 2021 (World Environment Day)
- Area: ~422 sq. km
- Elevation: 85 m to 1042 m above sea level
- Connectivity: ~53 km from Kokrajhar, ~253 km from Guwahati
Transboundary Conservation Importance
- Forms part of a transboundary conservation landscape (>2400 sq. km)
- Connected with:
- Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary
- Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park
- Buxa Tiger Reserve
This connectivity supports wildlife movement, genetic diversity, and ecosystem stability.
Geographical Features
- Located in the Eastern Himalayan foothills
- Bounded by rivers: Sankosh (West), Saralbhanga (East) and Pekua (South)
Ecosystem Diversity
- Himalayan moist mixed deciduous forests
- Sub-Himalayan semi-evergreen forests
- Terai-Duar savanna
- Riverine forests and grasslands
- Around 11–12 forest types, making it highly diverse.
Flora
- ~380 plant species
- Rich in orchids and tropical vegetation
Fauna
- Key species: Clouded Leopard, Golden Langur (flagship species), Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Gaur, Wild Water Buffalo
- Biodiversity: ~170 bird species, 150+ butterfly species, Rich reptile diversity (including newly discovered gecko)
Historical Background
- Earlier part of Ripu Reserved Forest
- Region historically known as Ripudwar, a strategic Himalayan pass connecting Assam and Bhutan
- Area faced insurgency and degradation, later restored through conservation efforts
Conservation Importance
- Key site for Golden Langur conservation
- Strengthens India–Bhutan transboundary conservation cooperation
- Active anti-poaching efforts by forest officials and security forces
- Supports ecotourism, research, and sustainable livelihoods