Eublepharis jhuma: Newly Discovered Leopard Gecko Species

Eublepharis jhuma: Newly Discovered Leopard Gecko Species

Recently, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered a new species of leopard gecko named Eublepharis jhuma in the Kaimur hill region of Bihar. The discovery is significant because it marks the first recorded leopard gecko species found in Bihar and highlights the rich but relatively unexplored biodiversity of the Eastern Vindhyan landscape.

The species was identified in the tropical dry deciduous forests and rocky habitats near the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary. The research involved experts from ZSI, the Wildlife Institute of India, Ravenshaw University, and Fakir Mohan University. The species has been named after Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, the first woman Director of ZSI, whose nickname is “Jhuma.”