‘Slender’ creature with ‘large’ spikes found lurking under rock. It’s a new species
As the sun beat down on a forest in India, a “slender” creature sought shelter. The spiky animal found solace in the shade of a rock — but it was only temporary.
Visiting scientists captured the lurking animal. It turned out to be a new species.
Researchers visited over 80 sites in Maharashtra as part of a large-scale wildlife survey that lasted from 2016 to 2023, according to a study published March 26 in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa.
While in a national park, researchers encountered some small and “slender” lizards, the study said. They captured seven animals and, taking a closer look, realized they’d discovered a new species: Cnemaspis maharashtraensis, or the Maharashtra dwarf gecko.
Maharashtra dwarf geckos are considered “small-sized,” reaching about 2.7 inches in length, the study said. They have a “slender” body, “short” head and “strong” claws. “Large” spikes cover their backs and sides.
Photos show the “golden-red” eyes of the Maharashtra dwarf gecko. Overall, the lizards are a kaleidoscope of brown tones with several “chevrons” running down their backs and tails, researchers said.
Maharashtra dwarf geckos were found on tree trucks during the day and lurking “under rocks in shaded areas in summer,” the study said.
Researchers said they named the new species after the Indian state of Maharashtra where it was discovered
So far, Maharashtra dwarf geckos have only been found in Chandoli National Park, the study said. This park in Maharashtra is part of a biodiversity hotspot known as the Western Ghats, located about 1,000 miles southwest of New Delhi.
The new species was identified by its scale patterns, spikes and coloring, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had at least 5% genetic divergence from other dwarf geckos.
The research team included Akshay Khandekar, Sunil Gaikwad, Tejas Thackeray, Satpal Gangalmale and Ishan Agarwal.
The team also discovered three more new species: the Barki dwarf gecko, the Chandoli dwarf gecko and the Sahyadri dwarf gecko.
This story was originally published March 28, 2024 at 2:42 PM with the headline "‘Slender’ creature with ‘large’ spikes found lurking under rock. It’s a new species."
