GECKO - ENVIRONMENT
News: New species of gecko recorded in Pachamalai Hills in Tamilnadu
What is in the news?
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A team of researchers
have identified a new species of rock dwelling large-bodied gecko from the Pachamalai hills near Gingee in the
southern Eastern Ghats in Tamilnadu.
Key details of the Species:
About:
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The new species has been
named as Hemidactylus pakkamalaiensis,
after the hill where it was recorded.
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The gecko measures 104 mm
from snout to vent (10.4 cm) and is light brown in color.
Species in India:
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The genus Hemidactylus goldfuss has 188 species of
which 54 are known from India. Members of this group are primarily known to
inhabit gigantic boulders.
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The new species can be
easily distinguished from other geckos in the region by its large size and
prominent tubercles on the body.
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Of the 54 species
recorded from India, as many as nine species are restricted to the Western
Ghats, while the rest are distributed throughout peninsular India.
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The species discovered
off Gingee now increases the total number of species of Hemidactylus in India
to 55.
Geographical location in Eastern ghats:
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The Gingee hills are
characterized by a significant presence
of gigantic rock boulders that provide a suitable micro-habitat for
rock-dwelling geckos.
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These hills are unique in
this regard, and despite being situated in the drier part of peninsular India,
Pakkamalai hill is home to a diverse range of vegetation types, including the
distinctive Tropical Dry Evergreen Forests.
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The combination of
vegetation and the microhabitats availability likely provided an ambient
microclimatic condition that facilitated the diversification of this species.
Gecko:
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Geckos are reptiles and
are found on all the continents except Antarctica.
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These colorful lizards
have adapted to habitats from rainforests, to deserts, to cold mountain slopes.
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Most geckos are
nocturnal, which means they are active at night, but day geckos are active
during the day and depend on insects, fruits, and flower nectar.
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IUCN:
○ Indian
Golden Gecko (family Gekkonidae) is native
to India (Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh).
○ It
is listed in Schedule 1 of WPA (Wildlife
Protection Act).
○ IUCN
Red List: Least Concern (LC).