HYDERABAD: Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have documented 97 reptile species in Telangana, including 46 species each of lizards and snakes, six species of turtles and tortoises, and one crocodilian species, highlighting the state’s reptile diversity and the need for further research into their distribution and conservation.
The study identified geckos (Gekkonidae) as the most species-rich family among lizards, with 20 species, followed by Scincidae with 13 species, Agamidae with eight, Lacertidae with three, and Chamaeleonidae and Varanidae with one species each.
Researchers identified several lizard species of taxonomic and biogeographical significance, such as Riopa deccanensis, Hemidactylus cairnicola, H. koyaorum, H. flavicaudus, H. xericolus and H. aemulus. The locations associated with the original specimens used to describe these species include Amrabad Tiger Reserve and areas in Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar and Warangal districts.
According to the researchers, recent taxonomic studies have documented several species, highlighting the significance of Telangana and the adjoining Eastern Ghats for reptile research. They said these species were important for understanding regional endemism, geographical distribution and conservation priorities.
Most of the listed species are classified as Least Concern (LC). However, Sitana thondalu is classified as Near Threatened (NT), Eutropis ashwamedhi as Vulnerable (VU) and Hemidactylus kangerensis as Endangered (EN).
Several recently taxonomically-recognised species remain Not Evaluated (NE), indicating gaps in information on their distribution, population trends, habitat requirements and potential threats.
ZSI scientist-E Dr Pratyush Mohapatra said several regions, including parts of the Eastern Ghats in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, remained insufficiently explored.
He emphasised the need to document species diversity, assess population status and identify gaps in distribution to develop conservation strategies. Further research could help identify overlooked species, resolve taxonomic uncertainties and improve reptile conservation and management, he said.
Bharath Bhupathi, a PhD scholar researching lizard diversity in the Eastern Ghats, highlighted the importance of rocky habitats in Nalgonda and Warangal districts, which provide suitable microhabitats for geckos and other lizards. He said protecting these rocky habitats and undertaking further research would support the long-term conservation of lizards in the Eastern Ghats.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
