Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have officially discovered a stunning new species of leopard gecko in the rocky, forested terrains of Bihar, India.

Named Eublepharis jhuma—popularly known as the Jhuma leopard gecko—the medium-sized reptile represents the first-ever documented occurrence of the Eublepharis genus in the state of Bihar. The remarkable find, published in the international scientific journal Herpetozoa, highlights the rich yet hidden biodiversity of the Chota Nagpur Plateau and the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary outskirts.

With this addition, India now harbors seven recognized species of the genus Eublepharis, marking the highest diversity for these unique geckos reported from any single country in the world.

The Discovery of Jhuma’s Leopard Gecko

The reptile was first encountered in October 2021 during a herpetofaunal survey and environmental impact assessment on the outskirts of the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary near Parari. Scientists noticed that its physical appearance did not match any known species.

Following five years of extensive morphological tracking and rigorous DNA sequencing, researchers confirmed that it was a completely distinct, ancient lineage. Genetic testing revealed that Eublepharis jhuma possesses a 6.9% to 7.8% genetic divergence from its closest sister relative, Eublepharis satpuraensis (the Satpura leopard gecko). Its evolutionary path indicates it separated from its relatives millions of years ago, shaped by the ancient geological shifts of the Indian subcontinent.

The gecko was named in honor of Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, the first female director of the Zoological Survey of India, whose personal nickname is "Jhuma," recognizing her extensive contributions to national animal diversity and conservation.

Distinct Physical Traits

The Jhuma leopard gecko is a visually striking creature featuring an array of highly specialized evolutionary adaptations:

• Size and Coloration: Reaching a snout-to-vent body length of roughly 14 centimeters (with a tail of equal length), it sports a dark brown back decorated with leopard-like spots and two pale, yellowish, spotty bands. The top of its head features a light cream, net-like pattern extending down its sides.

• Bumpy Dorsal Scales: Unlike its closest relatives, its back features 18 to 22 rows of large, flat, bumpy, tubercle-like scales that are separated by unusually wide gaps.

• Enhanced Gripping Power: It displays a higher number of tiny, textured ridges—scientifically known as lamellae—underneath its fourth toe, providing a far superior grip on rocky surfaces.

• Tail Regeneration: It possesses a specific layout of 12 to 13 pores near its tail base. Remarkably, if its tail drops and regrows, the new scales return in a flat, rectangular shape instead of the typical circular pattern.

A Double-Edged Sword: The Threat of Trafficking

Leopard geckos are highly sought after in the illegal international pet trade and the dark world of wildlife smuggling due to their docile nature, striking color patterns, and false medicinal myths. Because all leopard gecko species in India are strictly protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (Amendment Act of 2022), hunting or trading them carries severe legal penalties.

The tropical dry deciduous forest ecosystem of the Kaimur plateau is isolated from the main sanctuary forests by agricultural fields, leaving Eublepharis jhuma highly vulnerable. The primary threats to its long-term survival include:

1. Illegal poaching and wildlife trafficking

2. Forest fires

3. Habitat degradation and pollution

4. Roadkill and human persecution out of fear

To safeguard the newly discovered species, ZSI officials and conservationists have actively requested that media and public agencies refrain from publishing the exact micro-locations where the gecko thrives in abundance to keep wildlife smugglers at bay.

References

• Primary Study: Mohapatra, P. P., Ray, S., Das, A. K., Satrusallya, S., Jena, S. K., Bhupathi, S., Das, R., & Mahapatra, S. (2026). "Description of a morphologically distinct and phylogenetically divergent new species of the leopard gecko in the genus Eublepharis Gray, 1827 (Reptilia, Eublepharidae) from India." Herpetozoa.

• Secondary Report: "New species of highly trafficked Leopard Gecko discovered in Bihar's Kaimur hills," Research Matters / ETV Bharat.