HomeBig BoxesMore Reptile Reading

New Hemidactylus Gecko Species Discovered In Tamil Nadu, India

Hemidactylus vanam is a large gecko of about 112.2mm in length.

Two Sixth Graders Raise $290 To Help Blanding’s Turtle Recovery Effort In Illinois
An Examination Of Tortoise Health Conditions
Bog Turtle Information

Indian researchers R. Chaitanya, Varad Giri and Aparna Lajmi have discovered and described a new species of Hemidactylus lizard from the Meghamalai massif Tamil Nadu region of India.

The lizard, Hemidactylus vanam is a large gecko of about 112.2mm in length, and is found living in rocky areas of Tamil Nadu. It is a mottled beigeish-brown in coloration with distinct tubercles throughout much of the body. In addition, its tail features spike-like protuberances that give it a unique look for a gecko. The suggested common name for the species is the Meghamalai rock gecko.

Hemidactylus vanam was named after a non governmental organization that conducts conservation work in the Theni District, Tamil Nadu, India. Vanam has supported the researchers working in the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary.