What is Cnemaspis Vangoghi?

Cnemaspis vangoghi is a new species of lizard discovered from the Southern Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu.

What is Cnemaspis Vangoghi?

About Cnemaspis Vangoghi

  • It is a new species of lizard discovered from the Southern Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu.
  • Cnemaspis vangoghi is named for Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh (1853–1890), as the striking colouration of the new species is reminiscent of one of his most iconic paintings, The Starry Night.
  • It is described as a small-sized gecko, reaching up to 3.4 cm in length.
  • It has a distinctive yellow head and forebody, adorned with light blue spots on the back.
  • This lizard prefers living among rocks and can occasionally be found on buildings and trees.
  • Alongside Cnemaspis vangoghi, another species named Cnemaspis sathuragiriensis was identified, named after its type locality, the Sathuragiri Hills.
  • Both species inhabit low-elevation, deciduous forests within the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve, adding to the five previously known endemic vertebrates of the region.
  • These diurnal creatures are mainly active during the cooler hours of early morning and evening, predominantly found on rocks.
  • Their restricted localities present an intriguing case of micro-endemism in low-elevation species.
  • Micro-endemism refers to a phenomenon in ecology and biogeography where a species or a group of species are restricted to a very small geographic area, often on the scale of a few square kilometers or even less. 

Q1) What are Deciduous Forests?

A deciduous forest is a biome dominated by deciduous trees which lose their leaves seasonally. The Earth has temperate deciduous forests, and tropical and subtropical deciduous forests, also known as dry forests.

Source: A starry night: New lizard species discovered in India named after Van Gogh

Latest UPSC Exam 2025 Updates

Last updated on July, 2025

UPSC Notification 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025.

UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025  are available now.

UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.

→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.

UPSC Mains 2025 will be conducted on 22nd August 2025.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!

UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.

→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi

Vajiram Editor
Vajiram Editor
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,75,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
Prelims PowerupTest Series
Prelims PowerupTest Series
₹13000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mains Test Series
UPSC Mains Test Series
₹16000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹85000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now