Why in the News?

A new species of gecko has been found recently in Tamil Nadu's Western Ghats, near Rajapalayam.

About Cnemaspis Rashidi:

• Cnemaspis Rashidi, also known as Rashid's dwarf gecko, is a recently discovered species of gecko in the Western Ghats of India.
• It is the smallest species in the genus Cnemaspis, measuring approximately two inches long from its snout to the vent.
• It is characterized by its beautiful color patterns of yellow, white, and black on its back.
• Cnemaspis rashidi is endemic to the Western Ghats.
• It was discovered in 2023 by a team of scientists from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune and the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust.
• The scientists found the gecko at an altitude of 1,245 meters at the Kottamalai estate near Rajapalayam in Tamil Nadu.
• This is the 94th species of gecko that has been identified to date, out of 93 that have been reported.
• It is also a reminder of the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats, which is one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots.