Another new species of lizard discovered in India

May 2008. By Varad B. Giri, a scientist of the Bombay Natural History Society

Another new species of ground dwelling lizard, Hemidactylus sataraensis, has been discovered in India by a team from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). The geckos belonging to this genus are chiefly arboreal and many of them are well known to humans. The lizards or geckos which are common in houses mostly belong to this genus. In India there are 21 species in this genus, however this new lizard from Maharashtra is the largest species of Hemidactylus from India.   

This distinctive new species of gecko is chiefly rock dwelling and occurs on the cliffs in the northern Western Ghats. This gecko was first photographed by herpetologist Mr. Ashok Captain of Pune. After consultation with Mr. Varad B. Giri, of the Bombay Natural History Society, and Dr. Aaron M. Bauer of Villanova University they realised that this is an interesting and as yet undescribed species. Dr. Aaron M. Bauer is an expert on lizards and an authority in this group.

Unique herpetofauna diversity

The discovery of a new, large, rock dwelling species of Hemidactylus proves the fact that this region has a unique diversity of herpetofauna. Presently this species is only known from the type locality, but by looking at habitat preference of this species, it is strongly felt that it may be present in other regions of the northern Western Ghats and needs immediate attention. This also highlights the need for more intensive systematic surveys in this region to document the diversity. And the data generated will eventually be utilized to conserve the species and its habitats.     

Varad had submitted his findings to a scientific journal, Hamadryad which are published recently. Varad had named this new species honouring Dr. Bauer as Hemidactylus aaronbaueri.  

For further details contact:

Varad B. Giri
Scientist ‘B'
Bombay Natural History Society
Mumbai
Mobile: 9223542581
Tel.: 22821811 (office)
E-mail: varadgiri@gmail.com

Courtesy of Varad B. Giri, of the Herpetology Section of Bombay Natural History Society of Mumbai.