MIZORAM PARACHUTE GECKO

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Context

• Study of these geckos was published in the journal Salamandra.
• This study was undertaken by biologists from Max Planck Institute for Biology, Germany and Mizoram University, India.
• Various surveys were conducted to collected specimen which allowed to know the species’ population status.

Significance of Discovery for India

• Encourage more efforts for discovery of unexplored biodiversity, specially reptiles, present in dense forests of northeast India.
• Promote organized and systematic documentation of wildlife.

Geckos

• These are considered a part of Squamata, a group of largest order of raptiles consisting lizards, snakes and other related relatives.
• These are carnivorous lizards which are found in every continent. Exception is Antarctica.
• These are believed to be one of the earliest evolving reptiles, as their fossil record and preserved remains are appeared hundreds of millions of years ago.
• For instance key characteristics of early geckos were evolved 100 million years ago. Some key characteristics are -
  • Adhesive pads on feet. With help of a network of microscopic hairs they have ability to climb most of the surfaces.
  • Tail acts as a fuel tanks to store fat.
  • They can regrow their tail if it is shed, it helps in distracting the predators
  • Ability to sea in dark
• There are more than 1,200 species of gecko today, which is around 20% of all known lizards.

Mizoram parachute gecko

• The Mizoram parachute gecko discovered is also known as Gekko mizoramensis.
• Out of 1,200 species of gecko, it is one of those 14 known species of geckos which can fly.
• These geckos use flaps of skin and webbed feet to form their flying surfaces.
• These flaps also assist in breaking up the shape of these flying Geckos.
• It also acts as a safety feature providing them the capability to a camouflage.
• By using the phenomena of air resistance they push these flaps like parachute and travel safely between trees.
• Evolution of this specie owes to Arakan Hill Range which led to its separation from G. popaensis, closest relative of Gecko.

Distribution

• Apart from India, they can also be found in
• Nearby regions of Bangladesh.
• Myanmar
• Thailand
• and Cambodia

Threat

• Increased access to forest due to various developmental activities.
• Forest clearance.

Conservation status

• As per IUCN – data deficient.
• Insufficient data due to rare encounter and little knowledge.

Must read Article:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/international-union-for-conservation-of-nature

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/new-species-of-flying-geckos-uncovered-in-mizoram/articleshow/100989921.cms