AI Article Synopsis
- A new species of gecko, Cnemaspis adii, has been discovered in Hampi, Karnataka, India, characterized by its medium size and specific physical traits like small, granular dorsal scales and a smooth ventral surface.
- It features unique anatomical structures, such as a distinct arrangement of chin scales and a specific number of lamellae under its toes, setting it apart from other Indian geckos.
- The finding underscores the importance of further ecological studies in the region, especially due to the species' presence in a UNESCO World Heritage Site facing human activity, indicating potential threats and a need for conservation efforts.
Article Abstract
A new species of rupicolous gecko of the genus Cnemaspis is described from Hampi, Karnataka, southern India. Cnemaspis adii sp. nov. is diagnosable from all the Indian congeners in possessing the following suite of characters: medium-sized Cnemaspis, SVL less than 35 mm (31.7-34.9). Dorsal scales on the trunk homogeneous, small, granular and feebly keeled. Spine-like tubercles absent on the flanks. Mental subtraingular, two pairs of postmentals, primary pair separated by a single chin shield. Ventral scales on the trunk smooth, imbricate; 22-26 scales across the belly. Supralabial I narrowly in contact with nasal. Dorsal aspect of forelimbs and hindlimbs are weakly unicarinate. Lamellae under the digit IV of pes 20-22. Males with two precloacal pores, two femoral pores on each side of the thigh. The existence of the species in a World Heritage Site with continuous anthropogenic interference ascertains the robustness of the species and need for additional herpetofaunal explorations to reveal the total diversity of species of the genus Cnemaspis in peninsular India.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3947.1.5 | DOI Listing |
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