Why in news?
Indian herpetologists have described a new species of slender gecko from the sacred Venkatadri hills in Andhra Pradesh. Named Hemiphyllodactylus Venkatadri, the lizard was discovered in a sandalwood plantation near the famous Tirumala temple. It is only the second slender gecko species reported from the state.
Background
Slender geckos (Hemiphyllodactylus) are tiny, nocturnal lizards distributed across tropical Asia. They are known for their elongated bodies, delicate limbs and adhesive pads that help them cling to leaves and trunks. The genus contains more than 40 species, many of which have very restricted ranges. In India these lizards occur in the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, but they are easily overlooked because of their size and camouflaging patterns. Habitat loss and fragmentation threaten several species.
The discovery
- Location: Researchers found the gecko at about 881 metres above sea level in a sandalwood plantation on the Tirumala (Venkatadri) hills, which form part of the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve.
- Name and honour: The species is named after the Venkatadri hills, considered sacred due to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. This acknowledges local cultural significance.
- Morphology: The lizard measures around 6 cm from snout to tail. It has 12–16 chin scales, 6–8 pre‑cloacal pores and 5–7 femoral pores — features that set it apart from related species. Its brownish body with pale bands provides camouflage among dried leaves.
- Genetic divergence: DNA analysis shows clear differences from other Hemiphyllodactylus species, confirming its distinct identity.
Importance
The finding highlights the rich but understudied biodiversity of the Eastern Ghats. The Seshachalam hills harbour many endemic reptiles and plants. Documenting new species helps researchers understand evolutionary relationships and identify areas needing conservation. Protecting forest patches around temple towns is crucial, as they often serve as refuges for rare species.
Source: Times of India report on Hemiphyllodactylus Venkatadri