A new species of lizard, Mesalina bishnoi, has been discovered in Rajasthan, marking the first confirmed record of the genus Mesalina in India. The species was found near Gajner in Bikaner district and has been formally described by scientists from the Zoological Survey of India and other researchers.
Discovery and Significance
The genus Mesalina comprises small, fast-moving, diurnal lizards adapted to arid and semi-arid landscapes. Although a historical reference by British zoologist Malcolm A. Smith in 1935 mentioned the presence of Mesalina watsonana in Jaisalmer, no specimen-based evidence existed to confirm the genus's occurrence in India. During a field survey conducted in August 2025, researchers collected a specimen from an open semi-desert habitat near Gajner. Detailed morphological examination and genetic analyses confirmed that the lizard represented a previously unknown species belonging to the Mesalina watsonana species complex.
Story Behind the Name
“The story behind this discovery is quite interesting. We were on our way to the Gajner forest area when a brief stop at a roadside tea shop led us to a small lizard that immediately caught our attention. After detailed studies, it turned out to be a species new to science. Naming Mesalina bishnoi is our way of recognising the Bishnoi community's enduring commitment to wildlife and nature conservation,” said Dharmendra Khandal, co-author of the study.
Genetic and Physical Characteristics
The study found the new species to be genetically distinct from all known relatives. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA revealed substantial divergence from closely related species, supporting its recognition as a separate evolutionary lineage. The lizard is a small-bodied species with a snout-vent length of 39.2 mm. It displays a greyish to olive-brown colouration, marked by a pair of dorsolateral stripes extending from the neck towards the tail. Distinctive black markings occur behind the eyes, while the body bears irregular dark blotches interspersed with white spots, giving it a mottled appearance. The underside is pale grey to off-white.
Habitat and Ecology
Researchers recorded the species in an arid landscape consisting of hard, rocky soil with sparse desert vegetation. The lizard was found alongside other reptiles, including the Sahgal's gecko (Hemidactylus sahgali), the spotted desert racer (Platyceps ventromaculatus), and the saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus). At present, Mesalina bishnoi is known only from its type locality in Bikaner district and is considered endemic to the Thar biogeographic province.
Importance for Conservation
A scientist said, “The discovery highlights the need for further taxonomic surveys in the arid regions of western India, where previously undocumented reptile diversity may still await discovery.” The finding underscores the rich but often overlooked biodiversity of the Thar Desert and the importance of community-led conservation efforts exemplified by the Bishnoi community.
