Recently, a team from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation (TWF) has discovered the first-ever viviparous skink genus and five new species belonging to it from peninsular India.
Why in the news?
- The researchers have named the new genus as ‘Dravidoseps’, a combination of the Sanskrit words ‘Dravid’ and ‘Seps’.
- This genus ‘Dravidoseps’ is distinct from the genus ‘Subdoluseps’, as it gives birth to its young—instead of laying eggs.
- All the five newly discovered species are from the state of Tamil Nadu, and have been named as:
- Dravidoseps gingeeensis’ (from the Gingee Hills),
- Dravidoseps jawadhuensis’ (Jawadhu Hills),
- Dravidoseps kalakadensis’ (Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve),
- Dravidoseps srivilliputhurensis’ (Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve)
- Dravidoseps tamilnaduensis’ (Kolli, Pachaimalai and Yercaud Hills).
About Skink:
- Skink is the common name for the lizards that comprise the family Scincidae.
- It is typically smooth and shiny with small or rudimentary legs.
- It is a type of reptile that has been around since the time of the dinosaurs.
- They are mostly secretive ground dwellers or burrowers.
- Skinks are highly alert, agile and fast moving and actively forage for a variety of insects and small invertebrates.
- Habitat: They can be found in a variety of habitats, from deserts to rainforests, and are well-known for their ability to camouflage with their surroundings.
- Distribution: These are represented throughout most of the world but are especially diverse in Southeast Asia and its associated islands, the deserts of Australia, and the temperate regions of North America.