Recently, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has conducted a study on a species of lizards known as skinks. Anchored on the paper titled “Skinks of India,” this research focuses on the role and characteristics of this creature in various Indian habitats.
About Skinks
Skinks comprise the largest family of lizards, totalling 1,602 species worldwide. They are distinguished by their long bodies, small or non-existent legs, absence of a noticeable neck, and distinct glossy scales. Skinks are often found in residential areas such as homes and garages, as well as open spaces like parks, school playgrounds, and lake surroundings. These lizards are non-venomous, highly alert, agile, and fast-moving creatures that actively hunt for insects and small invertebrates. Despite the instrumental role they play in maintaining ecosystems, their breeding habits and ecology remain largely unknown due to species identification complications.
Skinks in India
Indian ecosystems, ranging from the Himalayas to coasts, dense forests to deserts, are home to skinks. The study provides in-depth phylogenetic and bio-geographical insights into the distribution of these species across the country’s 11 bio-geographic zones.
Despite being the habitat for less than 4% of the world’s skinks, India is home to 62 species of these lizards, with 33 of them, representing about 57%, being endemic. Additionally, there are 16 genera of skinks in India, four of which are exclusive to this nation.
The Four Endemic Genera of Skinks
The four endemic genera of skinks in India are:
– Sepsophis: This genus, represented by Sepsophis punctatus, is endemic to the northern part of the Eastern Ghats.
– Barkudia: Characterized by their limbless feature, Barkudia skinks are found in the hills and coastal plains of the eastern coast. Barkudia insularis is believed to be only present in the Barkud Island in Chilka lake, Odisha while Barkudia melanosticta is endemic to Visakhapatnam.
– Kaestlea: Also referred to as blue-tailed ground skinks, they are native to the Western Ghats.
– Ristella: Known as Cat skinks, they are endemic to the southern part of Western Ghats.
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
Established in 1916, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) operates as a subordinate organization of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. ZSI’s main role is to conduct faunistic surveys and explore resources, contributing to the advancement of knowledge regarding the country’s exceptionally diverse fauna. Headquartered in Kolkata, ZSI has 16 regional stations spread across geographically different parts of India.