Cyrtodactylus dimaensis

• What is it? A newly described species of bent-toed gecko.
• Scientific name: Cyrtodactylus dimaensis.
• Family: Gekkonidae.
• Order: Squamata.
• Discovery location: Dima Hasao district, Assam, Northeast India.
• Habitat: Karst-associated habitats.
• Taxonomic group: Cyrtodactylus khasiensis species group.
• Identification: Based on morphological characteristics and molecular analysis.
• Significance: Highlights the rich and underexplored reptilian biodiversity of Northeast India.

Important Prelims Facts

• Geckos are reptiles, not amphibians.
• Cyrtodactylus is a genus of bent-toed geckos.
• Dima Hasao is a district in Assam.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. With reference to Cyrtodactylus dimaensis, consider the following statements:

1. It is a species of bent-toed gecko.
2. It belongs to the family Gekkonidae.
3. It was discovered in Assam.
4. It is an amphibian species.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. It is a bent-toed gecko belonging to the family Gekkonidae, reported from Assam.

Statement 4 is incorrect. Geckos are reptiles belonging to the order Squamata, not amphibians.

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