Guwahati: A new species of bent-toed gecko has been discovered in Assam’s Dima Hasao district and named Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka in honour of the state’s forest department, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday.
The announcement came on Forest Martyrs’ Day. “This rare find is a befitting tribute to our brave forest staff, where nature rewards their valour with a new wonder,” Sarma posted on X.
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According to a paper published in the Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity, the scientific name vanarakshaka is derived from the Sanskrit words vana (forest) and rakshaka (protector), recognising the role of Assam’s forest department in conserving biodiversity and safeguarding forests.
The discovery also honours the dedication and sacrifice of frontline forest staff in Assam, many of whom have laid down their lives while protecting the state’s natural heritage.
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In another tribute, the Chief Minister described forest personnel as “the unsung heroes in the fight for nature,” writing: “On Forest Martyrs’ Day, we salute all the forest personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while protecting our pristine forests.”
The naming of the new gecko species stands as a scientific and symbolic acknowledgement of Assam’s commitment to wildlife conservation and the courage of its forest protectors.
