Cyrtodactylus vairengtensis

November 17, 2023

A team of scientists and researchers have discovered a new species of gecko endemic to Mizoram, taking the number of geckos native to the state to 6, and 22 across northeast India.

There are 335 gecko species across the world, of which 42 are found in India.

The new species has been named ‘Cyrtodactylus vairengtensis’ after the town in Mizoram where it was found, while the common name suggested for the new species is ‘Vairengte bent-toed gecko’.
The distinct feature of this new species is the number of femoral pores which distinguishes it from other members of the Cyrtodactylus
- 9-11 precloacal (also called femoral) pores were found in males and 5-9 precloacal pits were found in females.
- Femoral pores are located on the underside of the hind legs in lizards that secrete a mixture of lipids and proteins and are thought to be used to attract mates and mark territories.