Cnemaspis yercaudensis
The Yercaud day gecko (Cnemaspis yercaudensis) is a species of gecko native to the Shevaroy Hills in southern India. It is found at high altitudes, specifically in the area around Yercaud Town within the Shevaroyan Range. This species is part of the extensive Cnemaspis genus, commonly known as day geckos.
Key Facts
- ›Found in the Shevaroy Hills of southern India.
- ›Its type locality is Yercaud Town, at an altitude of 1,515 meters.
- ›Belongs to the genus Cnemaspis, often referred to as day geckos.
- ›Described as a new species in 2000.
Yercaud Day Gecko
India
About Cnemaspis yercaudensis
Yercaud Day Gecko (Cnemaspis yercaudensis)
The Yercaud day gecko, scientifically known as Cnemaspis yercaudensis, is a species of gecko native to the Shevaroy Hills in Tamil Nadu, southern India. Its specific type locality is Yercaud Town, situated within the Shevaroyan (Shevaroy) Range at a significant altitude of 1,515 meters (4,970 feet) above sea level. This high-altitude habitat is characteristic of its distribution.
Discovery and Classification
The species was formally described as new to science in the year 2000 by researchers I. Das and A. M. Bauer. It was identified as part of the Cnemaspis genus, a diverse group of geckos commonly referred to as day geckos due to the diurnal or cathemeral activity patterns observed in many of its members. The classification places it within the Gekkonidae family.
Habitat and Distribution
The natural range of Cnemaspis yercaudensis is confined to the Shevaroy Hills, a mountainous region known for its unique flora and fauna. The specific environmental conditions at altitudes around 1,515 meters are crucial for the survival of this species. While detailed ecological studies are limited in the provided information, its habitat is intrinsically linked to the specific microclimates found at these elevations in southern India.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Yercaud day gecko found?
The Yercaud day gecko (Cnemaspis yercaudensis) is found in the Shevaroy Hills, a mountain range located in the Salem District of Tamil Nadu, southern India. Its specific type locality is Yercaud Town.
What is the habitat of Cnemaspis yercaudensis?
This species inhabits high-altitude regions, with its habitat recorded at 1,515 meters (4,970 feet) above sea level in the Shevaroy Hills. The area around Yercaud Town is a key location for this gecko.
What does 'type locality' mean for this gecko?
The 'type locality' refers to the specific geographic location where the first specimen of a species was collected and described. For Cnemaspis yercaudensis, this location is Yercaud Town (11°48'N; 78°14'E) in the Shevaroy Hills.
When was the Yercaud day gecko first described?
The Yercaud day gecko, Cnemaspis yercaudensis, was first described as a new species in the year 2000. This description was part of a scientific paper detailing new species of Cnemaspis from Tamil Nadu.
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