Description

A team of wildlife researchers discovered Cyrtopodion Vindhya, a new species of naked-toed gecko, in Gujarat's Dahod and Panchmahals districts. This discovery brings the total number of endemic reptile species described in Gujarat over the last 15 years to five. The study emphasises the importance of the region's diverse and distinctive fauna.

Cyrtopodion Vindhya's Discovery

The nocturnal species was discovered in 2017 in the hilly districts of Dahod, Panchmahal, and Chhota Udepur. The new species prefers the crevices and cracks in granite boulders as its habitat and will flee if disturbed. It has rupicolous habits, meaning it lives among rocks but can also be found on the ground.

The first samples of the new species were discovered in the Vindhya hill ranges in Gujarat's westernmost region. As a result, they named the species Cyrtopodion Vindhya, the 24th in the genus Cyrtopodion.

The Importance Of The Discoveries

Gujarat is well-known for its diverse and abundant fauna. However, the region's reptilian diversity is not as well documented as that of other Indian regions. The discovery of the new species advances our understanding of the region's reptilian diversity.

Furthermore, India has emerged as a gecko biodiversity hotspot. The number of geckos reported/described from India has increased from approximately 61 in 1996 to 136 by the end of 2019. More than half of the gecko species reported in the country over the last three decades have been found in Gujarat alone.

The Study's Repercussions

The discovery of Cyrtopodion Vindhya emphasises the importance of studying less-known regions to understand a region's biodiversity. The researchers emphasised the importance of conducting additional research in the Vindhya ranges and other lesser-known areas of Gujarat.

Furthermore, the study emphasises the importance of preserving the new species' habitat. Because the species prefers the crevices and cracks in granite boulders as its habitat, conservation efforts should concentrate on preserving the rocky outcrops.

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