New Lizard Species Mesalina bishnoi Discovered in Rajasthan

Exam-focused facts from the 2 June 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

A new species of lizard, Mesalina bishnoi, has been discovered near Gajner in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan.
The discovery, formally described by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), represents the first confirmed record of the genus Mesalina in India.
The species was named Mesalina bishnoi to recognise the Bishnoi community's commitment to wildlife and nature conservation.
The lizard is endemic to the Thar biogeographic province and is characterised by a snout-vent length of 39.2 mm and greyish to olive-brown colouration.
The species was recorded in an arid landscape alongside other reptiles, including the Sahgal's gecko (Hemidactylus sahgali), the spotted desert racer (Platyceps ventromaculatus), and the saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus).