[Herpetology • 2026] Cyrtodactylus nebulicola • A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from India with Redescriptions of the holotypes of C. gubernatoris & C. himalayicus

 

Cyrtodactylus nebulicola

Ray, Bhupathi, Chatterjee, Das & Mohapatra, 2026

 

Latpanchar Bent-toed Gecko  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1278.186655  

Abstract

A new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus Gray is described from the eastern Himalayan region of West Bengal state, India. The new species is assigned to the C. peguensis species group and is readily distinguished from its regional congeners by a unique combination of morphological characters. These include dorsal scalation comprising small granules intermixed with enlarged, feebly keeled, weakly pointed tubercles arranged in 15–22 fairly regular longitudinal rows at midbody; 11–14 subdigital lamellae beneath the first digit and 17–23 beneath the fourth digit; nine precloacal pores and 6–9 femoral pores in males; 10–12 supralabials; and nine infralabials. Molecular analyses based on mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) sequence data further support the distinctiveness of the new species, which exhibits 11.8–19.8% uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence from its closest congeners. Specifically, it differs from C. gubernatoris by 11.8–12.0% and from C. bhupathyi by 18.5–19.8%, while showing divergences exceeding 20.5% from other congeners examined. In addition to the description of the new species, detailed redescriptions of the holotypes of two regional congeners, C. himalayicus and C. gubernatoris, are provided based on direct examination. The discovery of this new taxon highlights the underestimated diversity of Cyrtodactylus in the eastern Himalayas and underscores the importance of integrated morphological and molecular approaches in resolving species boundaries within this speciose gecko genus.

Key words: Cyrtodactylus peguensis, Darjeeling, eastern Himalayas, morphology, taxonomy, West Bengal

Live specimens of Cyrtodactylus nebulicola sp. nov.
 (A) uncollected individual, (B) one of the paratypes (ZSI-R-29060).

Cyrtodactylus nebulicola sp. nov.

Suggested common English name. Latpanchar Bent-toed Gecko.

Etymology. The species epithet nebulicola is derived from the Latin words: nebula meaning “mist” or “cloud,” and -cola meaning “dweller” or “inhabitant”, collectively meaning “dweller of the mist”. The name refers to the characteristic mist-laden, cloud-forest habitat of Latpanchar in the Darjeeling Himalaya, where the species was discovered. The epithet is treated as a noun in apposition and does not change with gender.

Sumidh Ray, Bharath Bhupathi, Suvrajyoti Chatterjee, Ritesh Das and Pratyush P. Mohapatra. 2026. Description of A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) from India with redescriptions of the holotypes of C. gubernatoris (Annandale, 1913) and C. himalayicus (Annandale, 1906). ZooKeys. 1278: 317-338. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1278.186655 [30 Apr 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Cyrtodactylus jayadityai • A New micro-endemic Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the lowlands of Northeast India, with additional morphological notes on Cyrtodactylus khasiensis Jerdon, 1870 based on topotypical specimens from Meghalaya, India

 

Cyrtodactylus jayadityai 

Bohra, Deb, Thongni,  Bhattacharjee, Biakzuala, Lalremsanga, Swargiary & Roy, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3255

Abstract

We provide additional morphological notes on Cyrtodactylus khasiensis Jerdon, 1870 sensu stricto based on topotypical specimens from Meghalaya, northeast India, thereby clarifying its diagnostic morphological traits and extending its distribution further westwards based on molecular data. In addition, based on an integrative systematic approach, we describe a new species of bent-toed gecko namely Cyrtodactylus jayadityai sp. nov. from the lowlands of North Tripura, northeast India. Genetically, the new species is a member of the ‘C. khasiensis’ group and is a strongly supported sister to C. tripuraensis Agarwal, Mahony, Giri, Chaitanya & Bauer, 2018 from which it differs by a pairwise genetic distance of 4.7–5.2% in the mitochondrial ND2 gene. The investigation of morphological characters such as the precloacal-femoral pores in males and pre-cloacal pits in females further supports the distinctiveness of the new species and morphologically differentiates it from its congeners. This increases the number of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 in northeast India to 31 species, underscoring the importance of the region as a hotspot for herpetofaunal research and conservation. At present, based on the current population status and distribution, we propose that the new species should be considered as Data Deficient (DD) under the IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords: systematics, mitochondrial gene, ND2, lizard, sister species

Cyrtodactylus jayadityai sp. nov.

Sanath Chandra Bohra, Arnab Deb, Goldenstar Thongni, Rupankar Bhattacharjee, Lal Biakzuala, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga, Pranjal Swargiary and Rita Roy. 2026. A New micro-endemic Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the lowlands of Northeast India, with additional morphological notes on Cyrtodactylus khasiensis Jerdon, 1870 based on topotypical specimens from Meghalaya, India. European Journal of Taxonomy. 1048(1); 265–303. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3255  [2026-04-14]

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis • A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Kokrajhar District, Assam, India

 Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis

 Basfore, Bharali, Barman, Deka, Islam, Deb, Bohra, Bhattacharjee, Das, Hazarika, Naorem & Purkayastha, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5792.2.5

 

Abstract

We herein describe a new species of Cyrtodactylus from Kachugaon, in the Kokrajhar District of Assam, India. Morphological characteristics combined with ND2 mitochondrial gene sequence data support its placement within the Cyrtodactylus khasiensis group, identifying Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis sp. nov. as the sister lineage to Cyrtodactylus septentrionalis. It is characterised by a moderate adult size (maximum SVL 71.1 mm), rounded, bluntly conical, and weakly keeled dorsal tubercles arranged in 20 or 21 longitudinal rows, and 36–38 paravertebral tubercles between the axilla and groin. Other diagnostic features include 32–38 mid-ventral scale rows, 13 precloacal pores in male, 13 precloacal pits in females, 17–20 subdigital lamellae beneath the fourth toe, absence of a single row of transversely enlarged subcaudal scales, 7 or 8 pairs of dark dorsal blotches between the axilla and groin, and a tail bearing alternating dark and light bands.

Reptilia, Cyrtodactylus khasiensis, gecko, Northeast India, Systematics, Taxonomy

Cyrtodactylus raimonaensis sp. nov.

 

BIJAY BASFORE, MANMATH BHARALI, RATHIN BARMAN, SANATAN DEKA, NAZRUL ISLAM, ARNAB DEB, SANATH CHANDRA BOHRA, RUPANKAR BHATTACHARJEE, MADHURIMA DAS, ARUP KUMAR HAZARIKA, ANJANA SINGHA NAOREM, JAYADITYA PURKAYASTHA. 2026. A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Kokrajhar District, Assam, India.  Zootaxa. 5793(2); 321-337. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5792.2.5 [2026-04-13]

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Cyrtodactylus teraiensis • Middle Miocene Biogeographic Connectivity between the Eastern Ghats and Nepal revealed by A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) nebulosus complex (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Nepal

 Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) teraiensis

Gautam, Bhattarai, Neupane, Pokheral, Thackeray, Khandekar, Cyriac & Agarwal, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1275.178507

Abstract

A new species of ground-dwelling gecko of the genus Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) is described from the low elevation Terai-Duar region of southeastern Nepal using molecular and morphological data. Cyrtodactylus teraiensis sp. nov. is the first new species of the C. nebulosus species complex, the remaining members of which are distributed in the northern Eastern Ghats and Satpuras; a lectoype for C. nebulosus is also designated. The new species is the first Geckoella described from outside peninsular India and distributed north of the Indo-Gangetic Plains. Cyrtodactylus teraiensis sp. nov. forms the deeply divergent sister taxon to Indian members of the C. nebulosus complex with 15.7–18.1% uncorrected mitochondrial sequence divergence from them, and 21.0–28.5% from other Geckoella. The new species is also recognised in tree-based delimitation methods and can be morphologically distinguished from other Cyrtodactylus and Geckoella species by a small body size (snout to vent length, SVL up to at least 45.5 mm), length of original tail < SVL, 16–18 rows of dorsal tubercles, 30–32 ventral scales across belly at midbody; dorsal colour pattern of four or five paired spots between neck and hindlimb insertions alternating with two or three much smaller paired spots. The divergence between Cyrtodactylus teraiensis sp. nov. and Indian members of the C. nebulosus complex is estimated to have occurred in the Middle Miocene, and it may be that tropical forest expansion during the Mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum allowed dispersal across the Indo-Gangetic Plains.

Key words: Endemic species, Indian subcontinent, integrative taxonomy, mitochondrial DNA, taxonomy

Photo of: A. Holotype of Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) teraiensis sp. nov. in life;
B. Habitat from where the new species was collected. Photographs by BG.

Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) teraiensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. A small-sized Cyrtodactylus, snout to vent length up to 45.5 mm. Dorsal pholidosis heterogeneous; smooth granular scales intermixed with more or less regularly arranged rows of enlarged, feebly keeled, blunt to weakly conical tubercles; ventrolateral fold absent on lower flank; 16–18 rows of dorsal tubercles at midbody, 29–31 tubercles in paravertebral rows; ventral scales subequal from chest to vent, smooth, subcircular, and subimbricate with rounded end; 30–32 ventral scales across belly at midbody, 50–54 longitudinal scales between axilla to groin, ....

 Bivek Gautam, Santosh Bhattarai, Bishal Prasad Neupane, Chiranjibi Prasad Pokheral, Tejas Thackeray, Akshay Khandekar, Vivek Phillip Cyriac, Ishan Agarwal. 2026. Middle Miocene Biogeographic Connectivity between the Eastern Ghats and Nepal revealed by A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) nebulosus complex (Reptilia, Squamata) from Nepal. ZooKeys. 1275: 15-42.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1275.178507

[Herpetology • 2026] Cyrtodactylus kiriromensis • A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus intermedius group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) continues to underscore the high degree of site-specific endemism in the Cardamom Region, Cambodia

 

Cyrtodactylus kiriromensis

Grismer, Neang, Samorn, Song & Stuart, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5741.3.5

Abstract

A new species of the Cyrtodactylus intermedius group, Cyrtodactylus kiriromensis sp. nov., from Kirirom National Park of Phnom Sruoch in the Cardamom Mountains of Cambodia is delimited based on a mitochondrial (ND2) phylogeny and statistically diagnosed using meristic, morphometric, and color pattern characters. Cyrtodacytylus kiriromensis sp. nov. is the sister species of C. septimontium of southern Vietnam and forms part of a clade with six other site-specific endemic species from the mountains and islands of southeastern Cambodia and southwestern Vietnam. The ongoing discoveries of localized endemic species in the Cardamom Mountains underscores their fragmented nature and the importance of this landscape as a source of speciation as well as its notable contribution to the herpetological diversity of Cambodia. As such, it should be given special consideration as a conservation priority.

Reptilia, Indochina, Southeast Asia, integrative taxonomy, gecko, endemism, conservation

 Cyrtodactylus kiriromensis sp. nov.

L. Lee GRISMER, Thy NEANG, Vireak SAMORN, Det SONG and Bryan L. STUART. 2026. A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus intermedius group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) continues to underscore the high degree of site-specific endemism in the Cardamom Region, Cambodia.  Zootaxa. 5741(3); 519-538. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5741.3.5 [2026-01-07]

[Herpetology • 2026] Cyrtodactylus khambui • A New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Eastern Nepal

 

Cyrtodactylus khambui 

Subba, Khanal, Wang, Ulak, Singh, Limbu, Upadhyaya & Che, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5752.1.4 

facebook.com: Laxman Khanal

Abstract

Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827, represents the most diverse reptile genus in the Himalayan region. Despite ongoing research, Cyrtodactylus diversity remains incompletely documented in Nepal. We describe a new species from Sunsari District in eastern Nepal using integrated morphological and genetic evidence. Belonging to the C. khasiensis group, Cyrtodactylus khambui sp. nov. is distinguished from regional congeners by: (1) smaller body size (SVL < 60 mm), (2) proportional head dimensions, (3) interorbital-head width proportion (IO/HW%), (4) dorsal patterning of 7–9 irregular transverse crossbars, (5) absence of a mid-dorsal line, (6) presence of eight small precloacal pores, and (7) >12% mitochondrial ND2 sequence divergence from its closest relative (C. martinstolli). Phylogenetic analyses (maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference) and species delimitation unanimously support its distinct evolutionary status. Cyrtodactylus khambui sp. nov. exhibits color variation among individuals, lacks femoral pores and grooves, and inhabits diverse ecosystems including anthropogenic structures (abandoned walls) and natural forests (Sal-dominated and mixed deciduous).

Reptilia, bent-toed geckos, endemic taxa, Gekkonidae, Himalayan geckos, integrated taxonomy 

Cyrtodactylus khambui sp. nov.

Asmit SUBBA, Laxman KHANAL, Kai WANG, Sapana ULAK, Ankit Kumar SINGH, Kamala LIMBU, Laxmi Prasad UPADHYAYA and Jing CHE. 2026. Description of A New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Eastern Nepal.  Zootaxa. 5752(1); 85-104. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5752.1.4 [2026-01-26]

 facebook.com/LaxKhanal01/posts/26220551554195342

[Herpetology • 2022] Cyrtodactylus exercitus & C. siahaensis • Two New Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Northeast India

(A, B) Cyrtodactylus exercitus sp. nov.;
(D, E, G, H) Cyrtodactylus siahaensis sp. nov.  

Purkayastha, Lalremsanga, Litho, Rathee, Bohra, Mathipi, Biakzuala & Muansanga, 2022

DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.794.1659

ABSTRACT 

We describe two new species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827, each from the Indian states of Meghalaya and Mizoram based on morphology and ND2 gene sequences. The new species are a part of the Cyrtodactylus khasiensis group. Both species represent the highland clade within the south of Brahmaputra clade of Indo-Burmese Cyrtodactylus. Based on ND2 gene sequence, the species from Meghalaya have an uncorrected p-distance of 4.21%–4.25% from a lowland species C. guwahatiensis Agarwal, Mahony, Giri, Chaitanya & Bauer, 2018 and is a sister taxon to C. septentrionalis Agarwal, Mahony, Giri, Chaitanya & Bauer, 2018. The species from Mizoram differ from its sister species C. bengkhuaiai Purkayastha, Lalremsanga, Bohra, Biakzuala, Decemson, Muansanga, Vabeiryureilai, Chauhan & Rathee, 2021 by a p-distance of 8.33%. 

Keywords: Biodiversity, Indo-Burma Hotspot, bent-toed gecko, ND2, systematics

Cyrtodactylus exercitus sp. nov. in life (A. MZMU2542. B. MZMU2543. C. MZMU2545);
Cyrtodactylus siahaensis sp. nov. in life (D. MZMU2443. E. MZMU2444. F. MZMU2445. G. MZMU2446. H. MZMU2449. I. uncollected).

Cyrtodactylus exercitus sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Cyrtodactylus exercitus sp. nov. is a moderate-sized gecko (adult SVL 48.2–68.0 mm); 9–11 supralabials; 9–10 infralabials; dorsal tubercles are rounded, bluntly conical and feebly keeled in 21–24 longitudinal rows; 32–34 paravertebral tubercles between the level of the axilla and the level of the groin; 35–37 mid-ventral scale rows; 11–15 precloacal pores in males; 16–17 subdigital lamellae under IV toe; no single row of transversely enlarged subcaudal scales; dorsal markings are dark brown, irregular blotches with a distinctive white posterior border; tail with alternating dark and light bands.

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘exercitus’ is used as a noun in apposition in honour of the Indian army. 

Suggested common name: Indian army’s bent-toed gecko.

 

 Cyrtodactylus siahaensis sp. nov.

Etymology: The origin of specific epithet ‘siahaensis’ is derived from the name of the town, Siaha (a district capital of Siaha District) from where the type series was collected. 

Suggested common name: Siaha bent-toed gecko. 

Suggested local name: Khotlia (Mara ethnic language, which means bent-toed geckos).

 Jayaditya Purkayastha, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga, Beirathie Litho, Yashpal Singh Rathee, Sanath Chandra Bohra, Vabeiryureilai Mathipi, Lal Biakzuala and Lal Muansanga. 2022. Two New Cyrtodactylus (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from Northeast India. European Journal of Taxonomy. 794(1); 111-139. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.794.1659 [2022-02-18]

[Herpetology • 2025] Cyrtodactylus arnei • A New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Hon Tre Island in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam

Cyrtodactylus arnei

Q. H. Do, Ngo, Nguyen, Le, Ziegler, D. T. Do & Pham, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1253.149459 

Abstract

A new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus is described from Khanh Hoa Province, South-central Vietnam based on genetic divergence and morphological differences. Cyrtodactylus arnei sp. nov. is distinguished from the remaining Indochinese bent–toed geckos of the Cyrtodactylus irregularis group by having the unique combination of the following characteristics: size medium (SVL 70.9–78.0 mm); dorsal tubercles in 15–17 irregular rows; 34 or 35 ventral scale rows; 12–15 enlarged femoral scales on each side, in continuous series without gap between precloacal and femoral scales; precloacal pores absent in females, 5–7 in males, in a continuous row; femoral pores absent; postcloacal spurs 0–3 on each side; 19–21 lamellae under toe IV; dorsal pattern between limb insertions consisting of four narrow light bands with dark edges and a transversal row of dark spots in the middle; subcaudal scales enlarged, forming broad transverse plates. In phylogenetic analyses, the new species was nested within the Cyrtodactylus irregularis group without any clear sister taxon. Genetically, Cyrtodactylus arnei sp. nov. is divergent from other species within the Cyrtodactylus irregularis group by at least 10.97% (COI) and 14.39% (ND2) based on two fragments of the mitochondrial gene.

Key words: Cyrtodactylus arnei sp. nov., Cyrtodactylus irregularis group, morphology, phylogenetic relationships, taxonomy

Cyrtodactylus arnei sp. nov. 
The male holotype (IEBR R.6365, SVL 74.8 mm, TL 107.2 mm) in life.  
The female paratype (IEBR R.6371, SVL 71.3 mm, TL 103.5 mm) in life.

Photos: Cuong The Pham.

 Cyrtodactylus arnei sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis. The new species can be distinguished from other members of the Cyrtodactylus irregularis group by a combination of the following characteristics: size medium (SVL 70.9–78.0 mm); dorsal tubercles in 15–17 irregular rows; 34 or 35 ventral scale rows; 12–15 enlarged femoral scales on each side, in continuous series without gap between precloacal and femoral scales; precloacal pores absent in females, 5–7 in males, in a continuous row; femoral pores absent; postcloacal spurs 0–3 on each side; 19–21 lamellae under toe IV; dorsal pattern between limb insertions consisting four narrow light bands with dark edges and a transversal row of dark spots in the middle; subcaudal scales enlarged, forming broad transverse plates. 

Etymology. The new species is named after Dr. Arne Schulze, Executive Director of the Zoological Society for Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP) to honor his great commitment and support for herpetological research and conservation in Vietnam, in particular within the scope of the Zoo Species of the Year – The Gecko Conservation Campaign 2024.

 Quyen Hanh Do, Hanh Thi Ngo, Truong Quang Nguyen, Minh Duc Le, Thomas Ziegler, Dang Trong Do and Cuong The Pham. 2025. A New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from Hon Tre Island in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. ZooKeys. 1253: 195-218. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1253.149459 

[Herpetology • 2025] Cyrtodactylus chure & C. makwanpurgadhiensis • Two New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Nepal

 

Cyrtodactylus chure 
Cyrtodactylus makwanpurgadhiensis 

Bhattarai, Gautam, Neupane, Khandekar, Thackeray, Agarwal, Olson, Hogan & Wright, 2025 

  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1253.161933

Two new species of Cyrtodactylus from the khasiensis group are described using morphological characters supported by molecular analyses based on the mitochondrial ND2 gene. Cyrtodactylus makwanpurgadhiensis sp. nov. and C. chure sp. nov. from the Siwalik Mountains in central Nepal are at least 11.2% divergent from other Nepalese congeners and 16.7% from each other and can be distinguished by a combination of morphometric and meristic traits. The description of two new species from the Siwalik Mountains underscores the conservation significance of this region, a relatively young, dry, and geologically unstable range of the Himalayan orogen. Despite serving as a border between the lowland (Terai) and Himalayan range, it remains underrepresented in both biodiversity assessments and conservation planning in Nepal. Our findings suggest the need for a robust and targeted species research program and to prioritise this landscape for conservation actions.

Key words: Bent-toed gecko, Himalayas, integrative taxonomy, khasiensis group, Siwalik

Cyrtodactylus makwanpurgadhiensis sp. nov., in life:
A. Holotype (adult male, NHM 2025/383) and B. Paratype (adult female, NHM 2025/386).

Photographs by Akshay Khandekar.

 

Cyrtodactylus chure sp. nov., in life:
 A. Holotype (adult male, NHM 2025/379) and B. Paratype (adult male, NHM 2025/382).

Photographs by Bivek Gautam.

 Santosh Bhattarai, Bivek Gautam, Bishal Prasad Neupane, Akshay Khandekar, Tejas Thackeray, Ishan Agarwal, Ashley R. Olson, Fiona Hogan and Wendy Wright. 2025. Description of Two New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from Nepal. ZooKeys. 1253: 131-160. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1253.161933

 

[Herpetology • 2025] Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka • A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from the montane forests of Dima Hasao District, Assam, India

  

  Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka 

 Bharali, Thaosen, Vabeiryureilai, Lalremsanga, Purkayatha, Bhattacharjee, Das, Bohra & Hazarika, 2025 

 

Vanarakshaka Bent-toed Gecko  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2025.06.008

ABSTRACT

A new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus is described from Dima Hasao, Assam based on an integrative approach combining morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic evidence derived from the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene. Molecular phylogenetic analysis places the new species as the sister taxon to the clade comprising C. namtiram and C. barailensis, from which it differs by an uncorrected pairwise genetic distance of at least 11% in the ND2 gene. In addition to molecular evidence, it is morphologically distinguishable from all known congeners based on the combination of precloacal pore count, mid-ventral scale rows, number of paravertebral tubercles, and dorsal tubercle arrangement. This increases the number of Cyrtodactylus in Assam to five species, highlighting the region’s importance as a hotspot for herpetofaunal endemism.

Keywords: lizard, ND2, North-east India, systematics, taxonomy

  Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka sp. nov. in life
[A: holotype (MZMU4036); B: (MZMU4037)].

Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka sp. nov. is a moderately sized gecko with a maximum SVL up to 65 mm (n=4), having 9–11 supralabials and 9–10 infralabials. Dorsum is characterized by smooth granular scales interspersed with somewhat regularly arranged enlarged tubercles that are mostly oval, bluntly conical, and usually feebly keeled; dorsal tubercles are usually 5–7 times the size of dorsal granular scales; the mid-dorsum has 21–22 longitudinal rows of tubercles; 35–36 paravertebral tubercles (PVT2) between the level of the axilla and groin; 52–55 paravertebral tubercles (PVT1), originating from the most anterior tubercle on the occiput to the mid-sacrum; there are 38–41 mid-ventral scale rows between the weakly developed ventrolateral folds. Males possess a continuous series of 10 precloacal pores with no visible pitted scales, and females show a continuous series of 10 visible precloacal pits; finger IV has 16–17 subdigital lamellae (excluding non-lamellar scales between the proximal and apical lamellae), and toe IV has 16–20 subdigital lamellae (excluding non-lamellar scales between the proximal and apical lamellae). The dorsum displays 9–10 paired, somewhat irregularly shaped, dark-brown transverse paravertebral blotches that are somewhat parallel. The tail bears a continuous series of alternating dark and light transverse bands and lacks a single row of transversely enlarged subcaudal scales.

Etymology. The specific epithet vanarakshaka is derived from the Sanskrit words vana, meaning "forest," and rakshaka, meaning "protector" or "guardian." It is intended as a tribute to the Assam Forest Department, referred to here as vanarakshaka—the protectors of forests. The name acknowledges the department’s crucial role in conserving biodiversity and safeguarding natural habitats across the state. The epithet is treated as a noun in apposition.

Suggested common name. Vanarakshaka Bent-toed Gecko

 

 

Manmath Bharali, Krijoboti Thaosen, Mathipi Vabeiryureilai, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga, Jayaditya Purkayatha, Rupankar Bhattacharjee, Madhurima Das, Sanath Chandra Bohra and Arup Kumar Hazarika. 2025. A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the montane forests of Dima Hasao District, Assam, India. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. In Press. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2025.06.008 [18 July 2025]

[Herpetology • 2025] Cyrtodactylus mendol • One More New Bent-toed Gecko of the Javanese Cyrtodactylus marmoratus complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from East Java, Indonesia

Cyrtodactylus mendol 

 Riyanto, Fauzi, Kadafi, Munir, Hamidy, Sidik, Firmansyah, Lestari, Fadhillah, Abinawanto & Smith, 2025

Mendol Bent-toed Gecko | Cecak jarilengkung Mendol  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5683.2.2  

 

Abstract

Here, we describe a new species of Cyrtodactylus Gray from East Java (Dampit, Malang), Indonesia that belongs to the C. marmoratus species group. It is a medium-sized (SVL) species with adult males reaching 65.9 mm in males, 64.3 mm in females; characterized by dorsal tubercle absent on brachium, 17–18 dorsal tubercle rows, 38–40 rows of smooth ventrals, precloacal depression present in a deep groove, 15–17 precloacal pores in an inverse Y shape, 7–12 femoral pores, 3–5 poreless femoral scale separated precloacal and femoral pores in males, 2 pairs of post caudal tubercles, second post mentals separated by 5–7 scales, abrupt transition between rows of large and small postfemoral and ventral femoral scales, and no enlarged subcaudals. The new species is genetically divergent from the other Javan congeners of the C. marmoratus complex with genetic divergences (p-distances) ranging from 15.1–24.3% for the mitochondrial ND2 gene. This description brings the number of nominal species of bent-toed gecko in Java to six.

Reptilia, Cyrtodactylus darmandvillei, Cyrtodactylus marmoratus, new species, Java, taxonomy

Living specimens of Cyrtodactylus mendol sp. nov.,
(A) adult male, MZBLace15007, holotype, (B) Precloacal region of the holotype, and (C) adult female, paratype, MZBLace15009.

Photographs by: A. Riyanto.

Precloacal depression and enlarged femoral and precloacal scales of members of the Javenese marmoratus complex.
(A) Cyrtodactylus mendol sp. nov. holotype MZBLace 15007, (B) C. belanegara holotype MZBLace 15630, (C) C. marmoratus lectotype RMNH.RENA.2710a, (D) C. semiadii voucher specimen MZBLace 15640.

Illustrations by A. Riyanto and AAT Amarasinghe (not to scale).

Map of Java illustrating the distribution of the Javanese Cyrtodactylus darmanvillei complex and the C. marmoratus complex.

Cyrtodactylus mendol sp. nov. 

Mendol Bent-toed Gecko

Cecak jarilengkung Mendol

 Diagnosis. The new species is a distinct evolutionary lineage closely related to C. belanegara, C. marmoratus, and C. semiadii. It can be differentiated from other congeners by the following combination of characters: known maximum SVL  65.9  mm  in  males,  64.3  mm  in  females; two  pairs  of  post  caudal  tubercles; second  post  mentals separated by 5–7 scales; 17–18 dorsal tubercle rows; 30–35 paravertebral tubercles; 38–40 ventral smooth scales across  midbody;  precloacal  depression,  precloacal  and  femoral  pores  present  in  male;  precloacal  depression  in  a deep grooved form; 15–17 precloacal pores arranged in an inverted Y; 7–12 femoral pores; 3–5 poreless femoral scales separated from precloacal and femoral pores; abrupt transition between rows of large and small postfemoral and ventral femoral scales; absence of enlarged subcaudals.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a noun in apposition, “mendol.” Mendol (Figure 8) is a traditional food typical of Malang (East Java) and its surrounding areas, known for its delicious taste and unique history. This dish is believed to be inspired by the popular Dutch food, mashed potato fritters. During the colonial era, Malang was one of areas where the Dutch resided. The term "mendol" means ball, which describes the method of forming the food into a ball shape. This dish is made from tempeh that has undergone further fermentation. The tempeh (fermented soybean cake) is crushed and mixed with spices such as garlic, coriander, galangal, lime leaves, and chili. The tempeh dough is then shaped into an oval form and fried until golden brown. Mendol has a savory taste with a hint of spiciness and a texture that is crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. It is typically served as a side dish for meals such as rawon, lodeh, and pecel.

Awal RIYANTO, Muhammad A. FAUZI, Ahmad M. KADAFI, Misbahul MUNIR, Amir HAMIDY, Irvan SIDIK, Richo FIRMANSYAH, Retno LESTARI, FADHILLAH, ABINAWANTO and N. Smith, 2025. One More New Bent-toed Gecko of the Javanese Cyrtodactylus marmoratus complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from East Java, Indonesia. Zootaxa. 5683(2); 189-211. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5683.2.2  [2025-08-20]

[Herpetology • 2025] Cyrtodactylus ayunpaensis • Integrative Taxonomic Approaches revealed A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus irregularis complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Gia Lai Province, Central Highlands of Vietnam

 

Cyrtodactylus ayunpaensis

 Nguyen, Ha, Murdoch, J. L. Grismer, L. L. Grismer & Luu, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5679.1.2  

Researchgate.net/publication/394443514

 

Abstract

Cyrtodactylus ayunpaensis sp. nov. from Ayun Pa town, Gia Lai Province, Central Highlands Vietnam is described based on an integrative taxonomic method by a combination of morphological and genetic data. It is placed into the C. irregularis group and can be distinguished from the remaining species from Vietnam by a minimum genetic distance of 12.8% in the ND2 gene and by the following characters: a maximum SVL of 91.5 mm; supralabials 11–13; infralabials 9–10; dorsal tubercles at midbody in 4–6 irregular rows; ventral scales 52–68; subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe 17–19; precloacal and femoral pores absent in both sexces; enlarged precloacal scales 22–27 in males and absent in females; 7–11 enlarged femoral scales from each thigh; subcaudals transversely enlarged; small, irregularly shaped dark brown blotches on top of head; nuchal band thin and interrupted; dorsal pattern with four irregularly shaped bands; short stripes on the neck. The morphological distinctiveness of the new species is supported by its non-overlapping position in multivariate space based on multiple factor analysis and principal component analysis.

Reptilia, Gekkota, Cyrtodactylus ayunpaensis sp. nov., molecular phylogenetics, taxonomy, Indochina

Cyrtodactylus ayunpaensis sp. nov.

Thuong Huyen NGUYEN, Hong Bich HA, Matthew L. MURDOCH, Jesse L. GRISMER, L. Lee GRISMER and Vinh Quang LUU. 2025. Integrative Taxonomic Approaches revealed A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus irregularis complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Gia Lai Province, Central Highlands of Vietnam.  Zootaxa. 5679(1); 45-73. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5679.1.2 [2025-08-12]

 Researchgate.net/publication/394443514_Integrative_taxonomic_approaches_revealed_a_new_species_of_the_Cyrtodactylus_irregularis_complex_from_Central_Highlands_of_Vietnam