New Gecko species discovered in Mizoram

Report by Shreya Tibrewala

A new flying gecko species has been discovered in the state of Mizoram. This species name is the Mizoram Parachute Gecko, or Gekko mizoramensis. This gecko species was found on 13th June, 2023. 

The species is coloured grey with darker grey blotches edged with black and black reticulations on the head, and paired black bands on the trunk and the tail.

About Geckos

Geckos are one of the oldest reptiles still alive in the world. Geckos have outstanding abilities to discard and regrow their tails to distract predators. Geckos can also see properly in the dark which has helped them to become one of the most successful lizard species.

Image Credit: Phys.org

This flying gecko species is one of the 14 gecko species known to be able to fly. To move between trees in tropical forests, the flying gecko uses a mix of skin flaps and webbed feet. The parachute gecko species has been said to be found across parts of Mizoram, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia. 

Image Credit: Original paper published in the journal Salamandra: German Journal of Hepatology

When the lizards jump from a tall structure, air resistance pushes the flaps out to their full extent, much like a parachute, slowing their fall. This, along with their webbed feet and flattened tail, allows the geckos to control themselves while in the air and land safely at their destination. The skin flaps act as camouflage against predators by breaking up their shape.

Image credit: Factzoo.com. Representative image

These geckos were found to be motionless (still) unless disturbed. However, when researchers tried to disturb, they were found to be aggressive, trying to bite.

They are nocturnal animals – i.e., they are active at night, and sleep during the day.