Aravind's ground gecko
Aravind's ground gecko (Cyrtodactylus aravindi) is a species of gecko found in the Agasthaymalai hill range of the southern Western Ghats in India. This nocturnal species prefers habitats with dense grass, shrubs, and tree cover, often found near plantations and leaf litter.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the Western Ghats of India.
- ›Known by the common name Aravind's ground gecko.
- ›A nocturnal species, active at night.
- ›Prefers habitats with high grass, shrub, and tree cover.
- ›Found in areas with plantations like rubber, coffee, and coconut.
- ›Appears to be an uncommon species.
Aravind’S Ground Gecko
India
Scrub Forest, Plantations, Leaf Litter, Areas With High Grass and Shrub Cover
Nocturnal
About Aravind's ground gecko
Aravind's ground gecko, scientifically known as Cyrtodactylus aravindi, is a species of gecko endemic to the Western Ghats of India. This species is named in honor of Dr. N. A. Aravind for his support of herpetological research. Its known distribution is limited to two locations within the Agasthaymalai hill range in the southern Western Ghats, situated approximately 20 kilometers apart.
Ecology and Habitat
This gecko is a nocturnal species, with specimens typically collected at night. It prefers habitats characterized by high grass, dense shrubbery, and tree cover, often with open edges. While it occurs in lower densities in open scrub, it thrives in areas that also include elements of southern tropical dry evergreen scrub forest. The type locality, where the species was first described, is in a rain shadow region with significant wind exposure on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. Aravind's ground gecko has been found in environments including leaf litter under banyan trees, muddy paths covered by vegetation, and hilly terrain interspersed with rubber, coffee, and coconut plantations. It appears to be an uncommon species within its range.
Taxonomy and Etymology
The scientific name Cyrtodactylus aravindi honors Dr. N. A. Aravind. The genus Cyrtodactylus is a diverse group of geckos, and this species is distinguished by its specific geographic location and ecological preferences within the Western Ghats.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aravind's ground gecko?
Aravind's ground gecko is a species of gecko scientifically known as Cyrtodactylus aravindi. It is endemic to the Western Ghats region of India.
Where is Aravind's ground gecko found?
This gecko is currently known from two locations within the Agasthaymalai hill range in the southern Western Ghats of India. These locations are approximately 20 kilometers apart in a straight line.
What kind of habitat does Aravind's ground gecko prefer?
Aravind's ground gecko prefers areas with high grass, shrub, and tree cover, often with open edges. They can be found in scrub forests, near rubber, coffee, and coconut plantations, and amongst leaf litter.
Is Aravind's ground gecko active during the day or night?
Aravind's ground gecko is a nocturnal species, meaning it is active during the night. Specimens have been collected between 19:30 and 22:00 hours.
Is Aravind's ground gecko common?
Based on current observations, Aravind's ground gecko appears to be an uncommon species. It occurs in lower densities in open scrub habitats compared to areas with denser vegetation.
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