Subdoluseps nilgiriensis
GS PAPER II: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Context: New species of skink Subdoluseps nilgiriensis found from Western Ghats
About Subdoluseps nilgiriensis :
- The reptile has a slender body of just about 7 cm and is sandy brown in colour.
- Skinks are non-venomous, their inconspicuous limbs make them resemble snakes
- Based on genetic studies, the new species is closely related to Subdoluseps pruthi that is found in parts of the Eastern Ghats.
- It was found in a dry deciduous area, showing that even the dry zones of our country are home to unrealised skink diversity which needs to be further explored.
- Most skinks are diurnal and are usually secretive in their habits. Because of their elusiveness, not much is known about their natural and evolutionary history.
- Most of the species are placed under the data-deficient category.
- This species is only the third skink species discovered from mainland India in the last millennium.
- Subdoluseps nilgiriensis is currently considered a vulnerable species.
- It faces potential threats from seasonal forest fires, housing constructions and brick kiln industries in the area.
- Rapid urbanisation, which has increased the road networks in the area, has also threatened the small geographical range of the species.
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