Source: PHYS.ORG
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The Blyde Rondavel Flat Gecko is a rare, flat-bodied lizard species that was recently rediscovered in South Africa’s Blyde River Canyon located in the Mpumalanga Province.
The species had not been recorded since its original discovery in 1991 making this a significant moment in conservation biology after 34 years of silence.
When fully grown it measures about 8–9 cm in length.
As a flat-bodied gecko it is well-adapted to rock-dwelling and cliff-dwelling lifestyles enabling it to hide within narrow crevices in steep and rugged terrains.
Prefers isolated, vertical and inaccessible rocky outcrops likely contributing to the absence of sightings over the decades.
Likely nocturnal and elusive making field detection extremely difficult.
IUCN Status: Previously listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN due to the lack of sufficient data about its population, habitat, and distribution.
Rediscovered by the Endangered Wildlife Trust during a targeted research expedition to the same site where the species was originally found.
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Aspect |
Details |
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Definition |
Geckos are small to medium-sized lizards belonging to the family Gekkonidae. They are known for their adhesive toe pads, vocalizations, and ability to regenerate tails. |
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Scientific Classification |
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata Family: Gekkonidae |
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Diversity |
Over 1,500 species globally; found in tropical and subtropical regions. |
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Habitat |
Forests, deserts, rocky terrains, human dwellings (house geckos); some are arboreal, some terrestrial. |
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Diet |
Primarily insectivorous (eat insects like mosquitoes, moths); some species consume fruit or nectar. |
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Behavior |
Nocturnal, excellent climbers; communicate using clicks, chirps and barks. Many are territorial. |
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Lifespan |
5–10 years in the wild; some species live up to 20 years in captivity. |
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Feature |
Explanation |
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Adhesive Toe Pads |
Specialized toe pads with microscopic hair-like structures (setae) allow geckos to cling to smooth surfaces (e.g., glass, ceilings). |
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Tail Autotomy |
Can shed their tails as a defense mechanism. The tail later regenerates. |
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Vocal Communication |
One of the few lizards that produce audible sounds to attract mates or mark territory. |
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Color Changing |
Some species can change color for camouflage or communication. |
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Night Vision |
Excellent low-light vision—up to 350 times more sensitive than human eyes. |
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Aspect |
Details |
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Common Species |
House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) Brook’s House Gecko (Hemidactylus brookii) Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko) Deccan Banded Gecko (Geckoella deccanensis) Andaman Giant Gecko (Gekko verreauxii) |
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Tokay Gecko |
One of the largest gecko species found in NE India; subject to illegal wildlife trade due to false medicinal beliefs. |
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Habitat Distribution |
Found across India in forests, agricultural lands, and human habitations. High gecko diversity in Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. |
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New Discoveries |
Several new gecko species have been discovered in India in the last decade (e.g., Cnemaspis avasabinae, Cyrtodactylus arunachalensis, etc.). |
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Law/Status |
Details |
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Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India) |
Some gecko species like Tokay Gecko are listed under Schedule IV making hunting/trade punishable. |
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CITES |
The Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko) is listed in Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). |
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IUCN Red List |
Status varies: Most house geckos are Least Concern; others, including newly discovered ones, may be Data Deficient or Vulnerable. |
Sources:
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Discuss the ecological importance of gecko species in India and the challenges in their conservation. 250 Words. |
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