Groundbreaking Discovery: New Gecko Species Unveiled in Andhra Pradesh
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In a significant breakthrough, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India have identified a novel species of slender gecko in the Tirumala Hill ranges of Andhra Pradesh's Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve. The newly discovered species, Hemiphyllodactylus venkatadri sp. nov, has been named in honor of the sacred Venkatadri Hills in Tirumala. This remarkable find, published in the international journal Herpetozoa, is the result of a collaborative effort between the ZSI's Freshwater Biology Regional Centre, Reptilia Section, and Fakir Mohan University. Molecular analysis confirms the gecko's distinctiveness, revealing a 9.7-12.9% genetic divergence from its closest relatives in peninsular India. The Venkatadri Slender Gecko can be differentiated by its 12-16 chin scales, 6-8 pre-cloacal pores, and 5-7 femoral pores, all separated by poreless scales. The gecko was discovered under tree bark in a sandalwood plantation surrounded by tropical dry deciduous forest at an elevation of approximately 881 meters. The discovery highlights the untapped biodiversity of the region and underscores the need for continued exploration and research in the Eastern Ghats, which remains one of India's most under-explored biogeographic areas. As ZSI Director Dhriti Banerjee notes, 'This is only the second species of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus to be reported from Andhra Pradesh, and discoveries like the Venkatadri Slender Gecko emphasize the importance of systematic exploration and molecular research in this region.'
