Two Gecko Species Discovered in Telangana

Hyderabad: Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India and Nehru Zoological Park have discovered two new lizard species in Telangana, one each in Nalgonda and Warangal districts. Researchers confirmed that both species have distinct physical and genetic features.

The species, Hemidactylus cairnicola and Hemidactylus koyaorum, were identified during a study conducted by Bharath Bhupathi, Sumidh Ray, Dr B. Laxmi Narayana, Amirtha Balan, Dr Deepa Jaiswal and Dr Pratyush P. Mohapatra. With this discovery, Telangana now has six endemic gecko species.

H. cairnicola is a medium‑sized gecko, reaching about 49 mm SVL, with 13–15 rows of strongly keeled dorsal tubercles, 137–145 ventral scales and 7–8 femoral pores on each side. H. koyaorum is slightly larger, reaching about 55.6 mm SVL, with 15–16 rows of dorsal tubercles, 120–133 ventral scales and 7–9 femoral pores. Unlike cairnicola, koyaorum has mostly homogenous scales without keels.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Bharath Bhupathi said the team had been conducting the analysis for three years, collecting samples from 13 koyaorum and around three cairnicola. The two species were found to be 9.5–10 per cent genetically divergent, supporting their recognition as separate species.

The type locality of cairnicola is near Vardhamani Gudem, Nalgonda district, where the species was found associated with traditional stone cairns. Its name reflects this association. Koyaorum was discovered in Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary, Warangal district, and named in honour of the Koya tribal community, recognising their cultural connection with the forests and hills of the region.

Dr Pratyush P. Mohapatra, Scientist‑E, Zoological Survey of India, said the finding highlights the need for continued systematic exploration and molecular research in the Eastern Ghats, one of India’s lesser‑studied bio‑geographic regions. He noted that the population status of the species must be assessed to support effective conservation and management.

The findings, published in the European Journal of Taxonomy, underscore the need to reassess reptile diversity in the Eastern Ghats through systematic studies.