Context

• Odisha’s forest department rolls out conservation plan for new gecko species discovered in Ganjam.
• The species was first spotted within the premises of a temple at Humma in Ganjam district in 2014.
• The team traced its habitat to Jhadeshawar sacred grove.
• This area is the only habitat for this rare species, as the species was never found on concrete walls or below rock boulders unlike other members of the genus.
• They feed on ants, termites, small roaches, spiders and beetles.
• The new species is the seventh Indian species of the genus, the second from the northern Eastern Ghats and 41st globally.
• It is the first non-island species of the genus.

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/odisha-s-forest-department-rolls-out-conservation-plan-for-new-gecko-species-discovered-in-ganjam-77955

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