New Species of Hemidactylus Gecko Discovered in India

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New Species of Hemidactylus Gecko Discovered in India

Hemidactylus chipkali is also called the Central Indian Leaf-toed gecko.

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Indian researchers Zeeshan Mirza and David Raju have discovered a new species of Hemidactylus gecko  from the province of the Indian state of Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh.

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Hemidactylus chipkali

Mirza and Raju

Hemidactylus chipkali is similar to those of the Brook's gecko species complex.
 

The gecko, Hemidactylus chipkali, is also called the Central Indian Leaf-toed gecko. According to the Bangalore Mirror, the lizard was discovered when Mirza and Raju were herping the Satpura Hills back in 2014. The gecko was recently confirmed to be a new species via DNA sequencing. 

During the DNA testing it was found that Hemidactylus chipkali is related to the Treutler’s leaf toed gecko (Hemidactylus treutleri) but has a 14 to 16 percent genetic differentiation.

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It is similar to those geckos of the Brook’s gecko species complex, but differs in that it has a “continuous series of seven pored scales above the cloacal opening” and has seven sticky pads under the fourth toe of its feet.