Scientists and researchers have discovered a new species of gecko in Mizoram, increasing the number of gecko species in Northeast India to 22. The new species has been named after the town in Mizoram where it was found, with the proposed name being the "Vairengte bent-toed gecko."

Globally, there are a total of 335 gecko species, out of which 42 are found in India. This newly discovered species was found near human habitation in Vairengte, located in the Kolasib district of Mizoram. Researchers collected six specimens—three male and three female—last year for study. The medium-sized geckos measure between 57.6 mm and 73.6 mm in length.

“The distinguishing feature of this new species is the number of femoral pores, which differentiates it from other members of the Cyrtodactylus family,” said a member of the Department of Zoology at the University of Mizoram. According to Zootaxa, the specimens collected by researchers have 9–11 femoral pores and 5–6 precloacal pits.

The report states that "an accurate range of distribution and population status of all these known geckos requires area-wide surveys, which will help implement knowledge-based conservation strategies."

Scientists emphasized that the discovery of the Vairengte bent-toed gecko highlights the poorly documented biodiversity within India's protected areas. As potential threats to this new species remain unknown, researchers recommend classifying it as "Data Deficient" under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines.