About
This species has only recently been described and is only known from just one locality in the Anaikatti Hillis.
Cnemaspis anaikattiensis is a member of the gecko family, Gekkonidae, which diverged 65 million years ago, about the time dinosaurs went extinct.
Surveys carried out between 2002 and 2005 indicate there are no more than 250 mature individuals in the population. Only seven individuals were found in a more recent survey and none were found in a follow up survey six months later giving rise to fears this species may already be extinct.
The main threat to this species is habitat loss from logging and habitat conversion. Furthermore, riparian areas which provide important micro-habitats for this species are being degraded through local fire regimes. There are currently no species specific conservation measures in place for C. anaikattiensis. Establishing a protected area where this species is found and creating legal protection would aid the conservation of this species, alongside research into its ecology and population trends.
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Gekkonidae
- Population: <250
- Trend: decreasing
- Size: 61mm
EDGE Score
Distribution
This species is found in the Anaikatti Hills in the Western Ghats of India.
Habitat and Ecology
This species lives in dry deciduous forests where it can be found in rocky stream beds. It is a diurnal species that is most active at dawn and dusk.