Guwahati: In a significant boost to northeast India’s biodiversity record, researchers have discovered a new species of Asian grass lizard from Assam’s Manas Biosphere landscape, underscoring the region’s growing reputation as a hotspot for hidden reptile diversity.
The species, named Takydromus ultapanensis, was found in the Ultapani Reserve Forest in Kokrajhar district and formally described in the international journal Zootaxa.
The discovery was led by Basundhara Chettri and colleagues from Sikkim University and collaborating institutions, combining detailed morphological analysis with modern genetic sequencing to confirm that the lizard is distinct from its closest relatives.
A hidden species
Unlike many of its congeners found in montane or subtropical habitats, T. ultapanensis inhabits lowland, semi-evergreen forests interspersed with waterlogged grasslands and fern patches inside the Manas Reserve Forest. Researchers recorded the lizards basking on fern bushes in small open patches criss-crossed by seasonal water channels.
The species appears to be highly localized. So far, it has only been recorded from the Ultapani Reserve Forest, making it geographically isolated from other grass lizards in the region.
Genetically distinct
DNA analysis revealed significant genetic divergence between T. ultapanensis and other Indian and Southeast Asian members of the genus Takydromus. The genetic distance in key mitochondrial genes confirms that this is not just a regional variant but a distinct evolutionary lineage.
Morphologically, the new species differs from its northeastern Indian relatives — including T. khasiensis and T. sikkimensis, in scale patterns, body proportions, and diagnostic head features.
Northeast’s reptile riches growing
With this discovery, the number of Takydromus species reported from northeast India rises to five. The study also highlights how the Brahmaputra river and associated ecological barriers may be driving speciation in the region by isolating populations.
Researchers note that despite decades of exploration, northeast India continues to yield new reptile species, suggesting that its biodiversity remains under-documented.
Conservation significance
The fact that T. ultapanensis is currently known from a single forest range raises conservation concerns. Its habitat, characterized by submerged vegetation and seasonal flooding, is ecologically distinct from other grass lizard habitats in the region.
The authors emphasize that more extensive surveys across northeast India and neighboring countries are needed to fully understand the evolutionary history and conservation needs of the genus.
The discovery reinforces Manas’ status not just as a flagship tiger reserve, but also as a cradle of lesser-known yet evolutionarily significant species.
