📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / LittleJerry
Science
86 Rare Gecko Lizards Rescued from Assam-Nagaland Border, Two Remain in Custody
✍️ India Today NE
🗓 22 Sep 2026, 09:01 PM
👁 6
Conservation teams saved 86 rare gecko lizards near the Assam‑Nagaland border, while two specimens were taken into custody for further inquiry.
Conservation officials announced that a team operating along the Assam‑Nagaland frontier successfully rescued eighty‑six rare gecko lizards that had been found in a forested stretch of the border area. The operation, carried out in coordination with local forest departments, aimed to prevent the animals from falling into illegal wildlife trade networks.
The rescued reptiles belong to a species listed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red List, known for its limited distribution in the northeastern hills. Experts highlighted that each individual plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region's forest floor.
During the rescue, two lizards were seized and placed under the custody of wildlife authorities. Preliminary investigations suggest that the captured specimens may have been part of an illicit collection intended for the exotic pet market.
Senior wildlife officer Dr. Ranjit Sharma emphasized that the swift action reflects growing vigilance against wildlife crimes in the Northeast. He added that the rescued geckos will be transferred to a rehabilitation centre where they will receive veterinary care before being released back into their natural habitat.
Authorities have urged local communities to report any suspicious activity involving wildlife, reinforcing the government's commitment to protecting the region's biodiversity.
The rescued reptiles belong to a species listed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red List, known for its limited distribution in the northeastern hills. Experts highlighted that each individual plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region's forest floor.
During the rescue, two lizards were seized and placed under the custody of wildlife authorities. Preliminary investigations suggest that the captured specimens may have been part of an illicit collection intended for the exotic pet market.
Senior wildlife officer Dr. Ranjit Sharma emphasized that the swift action reflects growing vigilance against wildlife crimes in the Northeast. He added that the rescued geckos will be transferred to a rehabilitation centre where they will receive veterinary care before being released back into their natural habitat.
Authorities have urged local communities to report any suspicious activity involving wildlife, reinforcing the government's commitment to protecting the region's biodiversity.