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.

Massive Salamander Fossil The Size Of A Car Discovered In Portugal
DNA Analysis Determines Forest Cobra To Be Five Different Species
Slayer’s Kerry King Gives A Glimpse Of His Snake Breeding Facility

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.

Advertisement

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.