Archive · 16 Nov 2025
New Slender Gecko Species, Hemiphyllodactylus venkatadri, Discovered in India's Eastern Ghats
Scientists in India found a new type of small lizard called a gecko in the Tirumala hills.
They named it Hemiphyllodactylus venkatadri.
This gecko is special because it's genetically different from other geckos, about a 10% difference.
It was found living on old trees in a forest area.
This discovery is important because it shows that there are still many unknown animals living in the Eastern Ghats, a part of India that scientists haven't explored much yet.
Finding new species like this gecko helps us learn more about nature and the importance of protecting these wild places.
It's similar to another gecko found in the Araku region of Andhra Pradesh.
A new species of slender gecko, named Hemiphyllodactylus venkatadri, has been discovered in the Tirumala hill ranges of Andhra Pradesh, India.
The discovery was made by scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and collaborators.
The species name is linked to the Venkatadri Hills and has been confirmed as distinct through genetic and molecular studies.
This new gecko is smaller than most other geckos and serves as a bioindicator, found in plantation zones on old trees.
This finding underscores the rich, undocumented biodiversity of the Eastern Ghats and the importance of continued exploration in the region, with this being the second species reported from Andhra Pradesh in its genus.
- Who
- Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), including those from its Freshwater Biology Regional Centre (Hyderabad), and collaborators from Fakir Mohan University and Nehru Zoological Park.
- What
- Discovered and formally named a new species of slender gecko, Hemiphyllodactylus venkatadri.
- When
- The findings were published in the 2025 volume of the journal Herpetozoa.
- Where
- Tirumala hill ranges within the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve in Andhra Pradesh, Eastern Ghats.
- Why
- To document the reptile species diversity in the region, highlighting the significant and underexplored biodiversity of the Eastern Ghats.
Current Situation
Potential Risks
Biodiversity Documentation
Current Situation
The Eastern Ghats harbor significant undocumented biodiversity, with new species like the Hemiphyllodactylus venkatadri being discovered.
Potential Risks
Continued exploration and research are crucial to fully understand and protect the rich biodiversity of the Eastern Ghats, which remains underexplored.
- Genus
- Hemiphyllodactylus
- New Species Name
- Hemiphyllodactylus venkatadri
- Location
- Tirumala Hill ranges, Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve, Andhra Pradesh, Eastern Ghats
- Habitat
- Tropical dry deciduous forest, plantation zones on old trees
- Discovering Institution
- Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Freshwater Biology Regional Centre (Hyderabad), and collaborators
- Genetic Divergence
- Approximately 10% difference from closely related species
- Previous Discovery in Region
- Hemiphyllodactylus arakuensis
