Hemiphyllodactylus Venkatadri

Hemiphyllodactylus Venkatadri Latest News

Recently, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of slender gecko and named it as Hemiphyllodactylus Venkatadri.

About Hemiphyllodactylus Venkatadri

• It is a new species of slender Gecko belonging to the genus Hemiphyllodactylus.
• It was discovered from Tirumala hill ranges within the Seshachalam biosphere reserve in Andhra Pradesh.
• It derives its name from the sacred Venkatadri Hills.
• It is the second slender gecko species recorded from Andhra Pradesh, after Hemiphyllodactylus arakuensis. 

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Features of Hemiphyllodactylus Venkatadri

• Venkatadri slender geckos are considered “small,” reaching just over 2 inches in length.
• Their limbs are short, and they have “spurs” at the base of their tails.

Key Facts about Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve

• It is also known as Tirupati-Kadapa hills are one of the major landscapes of Eastern Ghats of Southern Andhra Pradesh.
• It was designated Biosphere Reserve in 2010. 
• These ranges have typical gorges and gaps due to faulting and stream erosion resulting in discontinuous ranges.
• The highest hill peak is Tellaralla penta.
• It comprises famous sacred shrines collectively called as Tirumala hills are the abode of Lord Venkateswara or Balaji.

Source: TOI