Takydromus ultapanensis:
Researchers recently discovered a new species of Asian grass lizard named Takydromus ultapanensis from Assam’s Manas Biosphere landscape.
- It is a new species of Asian grass lizard.
- It was discovered in Assam’s Manas Biosphere landscape.
- It was found in the Ultapani Reserve Forest in the Kokrajhar district.
- 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.
- Researchers recorded the lizards basking on fern bushes in small open patches criss-crossed by seasonal water channels.
- 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.
- The fact that T. ultapanensis is currently known from a single forest range raises conservation concerns.
