Discovery of Two New Gecko Species in Nepal
Two new species of gecko have been discovered in Nepal. A team of conservationists found these new geckos in the Makwanpur and Sindhuli districts. The geckos belong to the genus commonly known as "Vent-toed Geckos." They were identified and named after the areas where they were found: the Makwanpur Gadhi area and the Chure hills of Hariharpur in Sindhuli.
International Recognition and Research Details
Conservationist Santosh Bhattarai, who is pursuing a PhD on geckos at Federation University Australia, confirmed that these species are new to science. The discovery was officially published in the international journal 'Zookeys' just two days ago. The species were found in the Chure (Siwalik) hill range during a research trip in June/July 2024. The Chure region is known for its rich biodiversity but remains understudied.
Significance of the Discovery and Conservation Context
The team, led by principal researcher Santosh Bhattarai, had already discovered and named three other species from Nepal last year. With these two new additions, a total of seven species of this gecko family have now been recorded in Nepal, five of which were found by Bhattarai's team. Conservationists point out that while government and conservation bodies in Nepal often focus on large mammals, many species, especially reptiles and amphibians, remain unrecorded. They emphasize the need to prioritize the study and conservation of these less-researched creatures.
Ecological Importance of the Geckos
Senior conservationist Karan Shah explained that this newly discovered gecko feeds on insects like caterpillars and moths. By eating pests that damage crops and clothes, the gecko provides a natural control service. It also serves as a food source for other animals and plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance. Additionally, geckos are used in traditional medicine.
Naming a Species in Honor of a Scientist
In a related note, one of the three species discovered last year was named 'Karan's Vent-toed Gecko' in honor of senior wildlife expert Professor Karan Bahadur Shah, recognizing his contributions to the conservation of amphibians and reptiles in Nepal.
