Recently, Odisha’s forest officials have announced measures to preserve the newly discovered tiny gecko species of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus.
Important points:
- This was first spotted in Ganjam district, Odisha in 2014. The new species of Hemiphyllodactylus minimus is the smallest member of the genus with a maximum body size of little over six cm.
- It is called Ganjam Slender Gecko.
- The new species is the seventh Indian species of the genus, the second from the northern Eastern Ghats and 41st globally. It is the first non-island species of the genus which is distributed in lowland habitats.
- Geckos are reptiles and are found on all the continents except Antarctica. These colorful lizards have adapted to habitats from rainforests, to deserts, to cold mountain slopes.
- 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.
- Geckos are spread across six families: Carphodactylidae, Diplodactylidae, Eublepharidae, Gekkonidae, Phyllodactylidae, and Sphaerodactylidae.
- 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)
- Tokay Gecko (family Gekkonidae) is widespread in the Indo-Malayan region Protection Status:
- Schedule 4 of WPA.
- IUCN Red List- Least Concern (LC).
SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES.MINT