New Western Ghats Lizard Discoveries

Significant Findings: Recent survey studies of the Western Ghats have revealed new records on a number of rare and endemic lizard species and demonstrate the importance of the region as a biodiversity reservoir, and the continued necessity of focused conservation science.

Core Findings:

• Important Range Extensions: The survey was able to record the first time the cat skink of Beddome ( Ristella beddomii ) has been recorded in the Aralam and Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuaries. This discovery expands the geographical distribution of this elusive, endemic species.
• Rediscovery Accomplished: It was confirmed that the Suryamudi forest hosts the critically endangered gecko, Kottiyoor Day Gecko (Cnemaspis kottiyoorensis). This is one of the geckoes that have not been seen since the 1970s, and it only got described in 2014, which highlights the significance of the sanctuary as one of the few places where endangered reptiles can still find refuge.
• Diversity Inventory: This work led to an extensive inventory, which documented six species of agamid lizards, four skins and five geckos previously not reported in these particular protective regions.

Species Profiles:

• Beddomes Cat Skink: This is a rare type of small sized skink, specific to the Western Ghats. It is characterised by reddish-brown colouration, retractile claws, and bicarinate scales. It lives in middle-altitude wooded areas and is named after the naturalist Richard Henry Beddome of the 19th century.
• Kottiyoor Day Gecko: Critically Endangered, the recent rediscovery and ongoing existence of this gecko underlines its very narrow range and instability of habitat.

Conservation Implications:

The findings validate the Western Ghats as a biodiversity hotspot in the world. Recording these species in new areas gives invaluable information on the population status and distribution that is paramount in shaping effective habitat management measures.

Teamwork Structure and Future Projections:

The survey was the joint program of the Kerala Forest Department and the Malabar Awareness and rescue centre of wild animals (MARC). One of the main elements was capacity-building workshops with such professionals as herpetologist Dr. S.R. Ganesh, who taught forest workers identification and survey techniques. There is an intention of using surveys to concentrate on amphibians in future to develop a more holistic view of the unique and threatened herpetofauna of the region.