In News:

The rare lizard species Calotes zolaiking has been recorded for the first time in Meghalaya, marking a significant extension of its known habitat and triggering grassroots conservation efforts.

About Calotes zolaiking

• Scientific Classification: Belongs to the Calotes genus under the Agamidae family.
• First Described: In 2019 from Aizawl district, Mizoram.
• Appearance: About 5 inches in length; green body with dark patches and strongly keeled scales (scales with a raised ridge).
• Behaviour: Arboreal (tree-dwelling), diurnal, fast runners, and capable swimmers.
• Diet: Insectivorous—feeds on insects and small invertebrates.

Distribution and Habitat

• New Sighting: Mawmluh village, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, April 2024.
• Range Extension: Approx. 172 km aerially from the original Mizoram locality.
• Genus Distribution: Found across India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and parts of Oceania.
• India's Richness: 14 known Calotes species in India; 9 recorded in the Northeast region.

Conservation Significance

• Community Role: Local residents Goldenstar Thongni and Banyllashisha Wankhar played a key role in identifying and collecting specimens.
• Catalyst for Conservation: The species' discovery has motivated the local community in Mawmluh and Sohra (Cherrapunji) to strengthen forest protection amidst threats from limestone mining and industrial activities.
• Sacred Groves: Traditional conservation spaces like sacred groves are being revitalized in light of the new biodiversity significance.
• Scientific Impact: The find was featured in Zootaxa, a peer-reviewed taxonomy journal, adding global recognition.

Broader Ecological Relevance

• Biodiversity Surveys: The discovery underscores the need for continuous herpetofaunal surveys in the Khasi Hills due to forest degradation.
• Historical Context: Cited alongside Stoliczkia khasiensis, a snake species last seen in 1870, highlighting the risk of species being lost without systematic documentation.