Guwahati: Assam minister Chandra Mohan Patowary acknowledged today on his Facebook page the discovery of a geco from the forest bank of Brahmputra .
A Proud Moment for Assam
A remarkable scientific breakthrough has brought pride to Assam and the entire Northeast region — a new species of day gecko, named Cnemaspis brahmaputra, has been discovered from the forested banks of the Brahmaputra River.
This tiny reptile, published recently in the international journal Taprobanica, is only the second species of its kind ever recorded from Northeast India. The naming pays homage to the mighty Brahmaputra — not only a geographical lifeline but also a cultural and ecological symbol of Assam.
This discovery is not just a new addition to India’s rich biodiversity, but a crucial piece of evolutionary history. Belonging to the Cnemaspis podihuna clade, Cnemaspis brahmaputra shows unique genetic links with geckos from Sri Lanka, underlining an ancient biogeographical connection. With just one other species, Cnemaspis assamensis, found in Assam earlier, this new gecko highlights the region’s status as a biodiversity hotspot that still holds secrets waiting to be uncovered.
The Brahmaputra Valley, already known for its lush riverine forests and diverse fauna, has once again proven its ecological importance. The new gecko species was discovered in a specific forest habitat near the river — an area often overlooked and under constant threat from deforestation, human encroachment, and climate change. This finding underlines the urgent need for intensified conservation efforts in riverbank ecosystems, not only to protect known species but to allow undiscovered ones to thrive.
Assam Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, acknowledging the discovery on his official social media, called it a proud tribute to the river that nurtures the identity of the region. His words echo a broader message — that science, heritage, and local pride can go hand in hand. Such discoveries should serve as a reminder that preserving nature is not just a scientific pursuit but a social responsibility. It is through these efforts that Assam’s natural heritage will continue to inspire generations.
The discovery of Cnemaspis brahmaputra opens up new possibilities for research and ecological monitoring in the Northeast. It encourages local institutions and young researchers to engage more deeply with fieldwork and biodiversity studies. At the same time, it calls upon the public, policymakers, and conservation groups to come together to protect Assam’s fragile habitats. With the Brahmaputra as both witness and guide, the future of ecological discovery in the region shines brightly — if we choose to nurture it.