Recently, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of slender gecko and named it as Hemiphyllodactylus Venkatadri.

About Hemiphyllodactylus Venkatadri
Hemiphyllodactylus Venkatadri is a newly discovered species of gecko found in the Eastern Ghats of India.
It is a significant addition to the country's reptile diversity, highlighting the rich but under-explored biodiversity of the region.

1. Key Facts

Feature	Detail
Common Name	Venkatadri slender gecko
Taxonomy	Belongs to the genus Hemiphyllodactylus (slender geckos/dwarf geckos)
Discovery Location	Tirumala Hill ranges within the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Etymology	Named after the sacred Venkatadri Hills (a name for the Tirumala mountains), where 'Venkata' means "one who removes sins" and 'adri' means "mountain" in Sanskrit.
Discoverers	Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and other Indian institutions.

 
2. Physical Characteristics and Habitat

• Size: It is considered a small gecko, with adult specimens reaching a maximum observed snout-vent length (SVL) of about 33.7 mm (approximately 1.3 inches).
• Distinctive Features: The species exhibits a unique combination of morphological characters, including specific counts of chin scales, dorsal scales, and the pattern of precloacal and femoral pores, which distinguish it from its closest relatives in peninsular India.
• Habitat: The geckos were found at an elevation of about 881 meters above sea level, typically taking shelter beneath tree bark in dry deciduous forests, such as sandalwood plantations, during the daytime.
• Behavior: Like other slender geckos in this genus, it is known for its nocturnal habits.

3. Significance of the Discovery

• Endemism: The discovery adds to the growing list of endemic reptile species in the Eastern Ghats, a region recognized as a biodiversity hotspot.
• Second from Andhra Pradesh: It is only the second species of the Hemiphyllodactylus genus recorded from Andhra Pradesh, the other being Hemiphyllodactylus arakuensis.
• Conservation: The finding emphasizes the urgent need for continued systematic surveys and molecular studies in the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve and the Eastern Ghats to understand and protect this fragile ecosystem from anthropological pressures.

Download Pdf