The scientific community was recently abuzz with the discovery of a new leopard gecko species by researchers. This brightly colored creature, named Eublepharis pictus or the Painted Leopard Gecko, was originally believed to be part of a previously known species.
Exploration of the Findings
On closer inspection, researchers found that the Eublepharis pictus differed from all members of its genus, except for Eublepharis hardwickii. These terrestrial geckos, typically native to eastern and southwestern Asia, reside in environments ranging from dry evergreen forests to scrublands and meadows. They are strictly nocturnal creatures and exhibit active foraging behavior along forest trails after dusk.
It was initially identified as an East Indian Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis hardwickii). The fresh discovery appears to populate the forests of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha in India. Geographically, the Brahmani River seems to act as a natural divider between these two species. With the addition of the painted variant, the Eublepharis genus now boasts a total of seven species.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) suggested that it should be listed as Near Threatened (NT) based on their conservation prioritization criteria. More research in this field might stimulate better biodiversity protection measures in the region. Particularly, the Eastern Ghats, which are severely under-surveyed, might benefit from dedicated efforts resulting in its recognition as a biodiversity hotspot.
About Geckos
Geckos are reptiles that populate every continent, barring Antarctica. These brightly colored lizards have adapted to various habitats, from rainforests and deserts to frigid mountain slopes. While most geckos are nocturnal, day geckos stay active during the daylight hours and rely on insects, fruits, and flower nectar for nourishment. They can be categorized into six families: Carphodactylidae, Diplodactylidae, Eublepharidae, Gekkonidae, Phyllodactylidae, and Sphaerodactylidae.
Other Species of Geckos in India
The Indian Golden Gecko belongs to the Gekkonidae family. Native to Indian regions such as Tamil Nadu, Orissa, and Andhra Pradesh, it is listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) and classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List.
The Tokay Gecko, also part of the Gekkonidae family, is common throughout the Indo-Malayan region. Its protection status falls under Schedule 4 of the WPA, and it too holds an IUCN Red List classification of Least Concern (LC).
