Giri’s Geckoella: Rare Gecko Spotted in Mumbai’s Aarey Forest

May 12, 2026

Overview

A rare gecko named Cyrtodactylus varadgirii was recently seen in Aarey forest in Mumbai. Wildlife lovers and a researcher spotted it. This gecko is also called Giri’s Geckoella. It is named after scientist Varad Giri. The gecko lives only in India. It comes out at night and eats insects. It was first discovered in 2016. Scientists still do not know much about it. This topic is useful for biology and environment exams.

What Is the Latest News?

In May 2026, wildlife enthusiasts and a researcher saw Cyrtodactylus varadgirii in Aarey forest. Aarey forest is in Mumbai. This gecko is not commonly seen. So the sighting made news.

What Is Cyrtodactylus varadgirii?

It is a type of gecko. Geckos are small lizards. This one belongs to the Gekkonidae family. Its common name is Giri’s Geckoella. The scientific name is Cyrtodactylus varadgirii. The name honors a famous scientist named Varad Giri.

Where Does It Live?

This gecko is endemic to India. Endemic means it is found only in India and nowhere else in the world. It lives in western and central India. The states where it is found are:

Maharashtra
Gujarat
Madhya Pradesh

It likes dense leaf litter on the forest floor. That means it stays among dry leaves.

What Are Its Habits?

The gecko is:

Nocturnal – active at night
Insectivorous – eats insects like small bugs and worms
Terrestrial – lives on the ground, not on trees

It is unusual because it lives not only in natural forests but also in open and human-changed places. It can even survive in city green spaces. But most of its natural history is still not well studied.

When Was It First Discovered?

This gecko was first discovered in 2016. Even though it is found in many places, scientists know very little about it. Most sightings happen during the monsoon season. Other details about its life are still a mystery.

Why Is It Called Giri’s Geckoella?

The name Geckoella means a small gecko. Varad Giri is a respected Indian scientist who studies reptiles and amphibians. Scientists named this gecko after him to honor his work.