Scientific name: Cnemaspis nilagirensis
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Gekkonidae
- Genus: Cnemaspis
- Species: C. nilagirensis
Common names: Nilgiri day gecko, Nilgiri dwarf gecko
Description
The Nilgiri day gecko is a small, diurnal lizard characterized by a slender body, granular dorsal scales, and a series of irregular dark markings on a light brown to grayish background. Adults typically attain a snout‑vent length (SVL) of 35–45 mm. The species possesses well‑developed adhesive toe pads that enable climbing on rock surfaces. Sexual dimorphism is subtle; males may exhibit slightly larger preanal pores.
Distribution and habitat
- C. nilagirensis* is endemic to the Western Ghats of southern India, with confirmed records primarily from the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu and adjacent areas of Kerala and Karnataka. It inhabits montane forest patches, often found on granite outcrops, boulders, and low vegetation at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,200 m above sea level.
Ecology and behavior
- Activity pattern: Diurnal; most active during the morning and late afternoon.
- Diet: Insectivorous, preying on small arthropods such as beetles, ants, and termites.
- Reproduction: Oviparous; females lay one or two eggs per clutch, typically deposited in crevices or under leaf litter. Breeding season aligns with the monsoon period (June–August).
- Territoriality: Males defend small territories that may include optimal basking sites and oviposition microhabitats.
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed Cnemaspis nilagirensis as Data Deficient due to limited population data and uncertainties regarding its exact range. Threats include habitat fragmentation from agricultural expansion, tourism development, and illegal collection for the pet trade. Conservation measures recommended are:
- Conducting systematic field surveys to establish population trends.
- Protecting key montane forest fragments within the Nilgiri biosphere reserve.
- Monitoring and regulating trade activities under the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), if applicable.
Research notes
Recent phylogenetic studies of the genus Cnemaspis have placed C. nilagirensis within the “South Indian clade,” confirming its distinctiveness from closely related species such as C. otai and C. beddomei. However, further molecular work is needed to resolve intra‑specific variation across its range.
References
- Beddome, R.H. (1870). “Descriptions of new Indian reptiles.” Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London.
- Ganesh, S.R., & Karanth, P. (2015). “A review of the day geckos (Cnemaspis) of the Western Ghats, India.” Journal of Herpetology, 49(3): 408–421.
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. (Cnemaspis nilagirensis). 2022 assessment.
All information presented reflects current peer‑reviewed literature and reputable conservation databases.
