A new species of gecko, Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis, has been discovered in a forest fragment near the Kokrajhar district of Assam, close to Raimona National Park. This discovery highlights the rich biodiversity and ecological significance of Northeast India, particularly the Eastern Himalayan region.
The species has been named after Raimona National Park, emphasizing the park’s importance as a biodiversity hotspot and critical conservation landscape, especially for lesser-known reptile species.
Significance of the Discovery
- Reflects high biodiversity and endemism in the Eastern Himalayan foothills
- Highlights the importance of forest fragments and microhabitats
- Strengthens Raimona’s status as a key site for scientific exploration
- Reinforces the need for continued conservation and ecological monitoring
About Raimona National Park
Raimona National Park is located in the north-western part of Assam in the Kokrajhar district under the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), along the India–Bhutan border. It lies in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, making it ecologically significant.
- Declared: June 5, 2021 (World Environment Day)
- Area: ~422 sq. km
- Elevation: 85 m to 1042 m
- Connectivity: ~53 km from Kokrajhar and ~253 km from Guwahati
- It is Assam’s sixth national park
Transboundary Conservation Landscape
Raimona forms part of a large transboundary conservation network (>2400 sq. km) connecting:
- Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary
- Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park
- Buxa Tiger Reserve
This connectivity ensures wildlife movement, genetic exchange, and ecosystem continuity.
Historical Background
- Earlier part of Ripu Reserved Forest
- Region historically known as Ripudwar, a strategic Himalayan pass linking Assam and Bhutan
- The area faced insurgency and ecological degradation, later restored through conservation initiatives
Key Geographical Features
- Located in the Eastern Himalayan foothills
- Bounded by rivers:
- Sankosh (West)
- Saralbhanga (East)
- Pekua (South)
Ecosystem Diversity
- Moist sal forests
- Sub-Himalayan semi-evergreen forests
- Moist mixed deciduous forests
- Savannah and riverine forests
- Around 11–12 forest types, making it one of Assam’s most diverse ecosystems.
Flora
- ~380 plant species
- Rich in orchids and tropical vegetation
Fauna
- Key species:
- Golden Langur (flagship species and Bodoland mascot)
- Asian Elephant
- Bengal Tiger
- Clouded Leopard
- Gaur, Wild Water Buffalo, Spotted Deer
- Biodiversity richness:
- ~170 bird species
- 150+ butterfly species
- Numerous reptiles (including newly discovered gecko)
Conservation Importance
- Crucial for Golden Langur conservation
- Supports India–Bhutan transboundary conservation efforts
- Anti-poaching operations by forest officials and security forces
- Important for ecotourism, research, and sustainable livelihoods
Overall Importance
- Acts as a gateway to the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot
- Supports rich wildlife and ecological diversity
- Promotes a balance between conservation and local development
- Discovery of Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis reinforces India’s untapped biodiversity potential