Hemidactylus albofasciatus
The white-striped viper gecko (Hemidactylus albofasciatus) is a slender, ground-dwelling gecko species endemic to India. Primarily found under loose rocks on rock outcrops in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, it is characterized by its patchy distribution and susceptibility to habitat changes. Its survival is notably threatened by the conversion of its lateritic plateau habitat into mango orchards.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to India, specifically found in the Konkan region of Maharashtra.
- ›Primarily inhabits lateritic plateaus and rock outcrops.
- ›A ground-dwelling species that hides under rocks during the day.
- ›Threatened by land-use changes, particularly the conversion of plateaus to mango orchards.
- ›Considered uncommon and patchily distributed.
White-Striped Viper Gecko
India, Maharashtra
Slender Gecko, Ground-Dwelling
Hides Under Rocks During the Daytime, Ground-Dwelling
- Land-Use Changes
- Conversion of Lateritic Plateaus To Mango Orchards
About Hemidactylus albofasciatus
The White-Striped Viper Gecko (Hemidactylus albofasciatus)
The white-striped viper gecko, scientifically known as Hemidactylus albofasciatus, is a species of gecko that is endemic to India. This slender, ground-dwelling reptile is primarily found in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, where it inhabits the unique landscape of lateritic plateaus and rock outcrops.
Habitat and Distribution
This species is patchily distributed and is known to reside under loose rocks during daylight hours. Its known distribution is limited to a few localities within the state of Maharashtra, with the type locality recorded in Dorle Village, Rajapur Taluka, Ratnagiri district. While its exact range is not fully understood, it is believed to potentially be more widespread than current records indicate.
Conservation Concerns
The white-striped viper gecko faces significant threats due to land-use changes. The increasing culinary popularity of the Alphonso mango varietal has led to the conversion of its natural lateritic plateau habitats into mango orchards. This transformation of the landscape has resulted in a decrease in the populations of specialist species like Hemidactylus albofasciatus within their endemic regions.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the white-striped viper gecko found?
The white-striped viper gecko is endemic to India and is primarily found in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. It specifically inhabits lateritic plateaus and rock outcrops.
What is the habitat of Hemidactylus albofasciatus?
Hemidactylus albofasciatus typically lives under loose rocks on rock outcrops found on lateritic plateaus. These are its preferred dwelling places during the day.
What are the main threats to this gecko species?
The primary threat to the white-striped viper gecko is land-use change. Specifically, the conversion of its lateritic plateau habitat into mango orchards due to the popularity of Alphonso mangoes has significantly decreased its populations.
Is the white-striped viper gecko common?
No, the white-striped viper gecko is considered uncommon. It has a patchy distribution, meaning it is found in specific areas but not widespread throughout its potential range.
Related Lizards
White-striped viper gecko
The white-striped viper gecko (Hemidactylus albofasciatus) is a slender, uncommon gecko species native to India, primarily found in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. It inhabits rock outcrops and lateritic plateaus, typically sheltering under loose rocks during the day. The species faces threats from land-use changes, particularly the conversion of its habitat for mango orchards.
Darevskia
Darevskia, commonly known as rock lizards or meadow lizards, are a genus of small lizards native to the Caucasus, Iran, and Turkey. They are characterized by their flattened bodies, pointed heads, and long legs with sharp claws, adapted for climbing rocky terrains. These lizards inhabit a variety of environments, from mountain steppes to anthropogenic structures, and exhibit diverse coloration patterns.
Paroedura maingoka
Paroedura maingoka, also known as the scorpion leaf-toed gecko, is a species of lizard endemic to southwest Madagascar. This nocturnal reptile inhabits rock outcrops in dry forests and scrubland. It is recognized for its distinctive defensive behavior, where it curls its tail over its back in a manner reminiscent of a scorpion, a trait that gives it its common and scientific name.