Discovery of New Grass Lizard Takydromus ultapanensis

Discovery of New Grass Lizard Takydromus ultapanensis

Context and Significance: Researchers have recently discovered a new species of Asian grass lizard named Takydromus ultapanensis in the Ultapani Reserved Forest within the Manas Biosphere Reserve landscape in Kokrajhar district of Assam. The discovery is significant because it highlights the rich yet underexplored biodiversity of Northeast India. The genus Takydromus consists of slender, long-tailed lizards commonly known as Asian grass lizards, which are usually found in grassy or forest-edge habitats.

Scientific Characteristics: Unlike most members of the Takydromus genus that inhabit mountainous or subtropical regions, T. ultapanensis was discovered in lowland semi-evergreen forests and seasonally waterlogged grasslands. Researchers observed the lizards basking on fern shrubs in open patches between seasonal streams. Morphologically, the species differs from related species such as Takydromus khasiensis and Takydromus sikkimensis in terms of scale patterns, body proportions, and head structure. Genetic analysis using 12S rRNA and COI gene sequencing confirmed that it represents a distinct evolutionary lineage rather than a regional variant.