Researchers in India’s Eastern Ghats have identified a new thumb-sized gecko, Hemiphyllodactylus venkatadri, measuring 33.7 mm and found in the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve. Genetic tests show nearly 13% divergence from its closest relatives, confirming it as a distinct species. The discovery highlights the ecological importance of small reptiles, threats from illegal trade, and the need for public education and conservation.
Thumb-Sized Gecko Discovered in India’s Eastern Ghats — New Species Identified
A team of taxonomists working in India’s Eastern Ghats has described an exceptionally small new gecko species, drawing fresh attention to the region’s hidden biodiversity.
Discovery and Description
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India found the tiny gecko clinging to tree bark in the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve, part of the sacred Tirumala Hill ranges in Andhra Pradesh. The new species, named Hemiphyllodactylus venkatadri, has a total length of just 33.7 millimeters—roughly the size of a human thumb. Its distinctive appearance includes thin dark stripes, scattered white speckles and a bright orange-red underside to the tail.
Genetic Evidence
Genetic analysis showed the gecko’s DNA differs by nearly 13% from its closest known relatives. That level of divergence is strong evidence the specimen represents a species previously unknown to science rather than an unusual individual of a known species.
Ecological Role and Conservation Concerns
Small reptiles such as this gecko play important, often overlooked roles in forest ecosystems. They help regulate insect populations, providing a natural check on pests — a service conservation groups and animal-welfare organizations note as particularly valuable when invasive insects threaten native plants.
However, visually striking geckos are sometimes targeted for commercial trade. Populations from remote islands like New Caledonia have been illegally collected and shipped because of their unusual coloration. Conservationists say public education, habitat protection and stronger enforcement are key to preventing exploitation of newly discovered and already vulnerable species.
Why This Discovery Matters
Discoveries like Hemiphyllodactylus venkatadri underscore how much remains to be learned about biodiversity even today. The Science Museum of Virginia estimates that roughly 18,000 new species are described worldwide each year—many of them small, easily overlooked animals that perform outsized ecological functions. Protecting these species helps preserve ecosystem health and resilience.
