Beddome’s Cat Skink

Beddome’s Cat Skink Latest News

A biodiversity survey has, for the first time, recorded the presence of Beddome’s cat skink (Ristella beddomii) at the Aralam and Kottiyoor Wildlife sanctuaries.

About Beddome’s Cat Skink

• It is also called Beddome’s ristella.
• Beddome’s cat skink is named after British naturalist Richard Henry Beddome, the species is considered rare and endemic to the Western Ghats region.
• Appearance: It is a small reddish brown lizard with retractile claws and bicarinate scales.
• Distribution: It is found in the forests of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 400-1,300 metres.
• Reproduction: It is an oviparous species and egg laying coincides with the southwestern monsoons.

Key Facts about Skink

• It is the common name for the lizards that comprise the family Scincidae.
• It is a type of reptile that has been around since the time of the dinosaurs.
• It is typically smooth and shiny with small or rudimentary legs.
• They are mostly secretive ground dwellers or burrowers.
• Behavior: Skinks are highly alert, agile and fast moving and actively forage for a variety of insects and small invertebrates. 
• Habitat: They can be found in a variety of habitats, from deserts to rainforests, and are well-known for their ability to camouflage with their surroundings. 
• Distribution: These are represented throughout most of the world but are especially diverse in Southeast Asia and its associated islands, the deserts of Australia, and the temperate regions of North America.

Source: TH

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