Painted leopard gecko

The Painted Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis pictus)

The painted leopard gecko, scientifically classified as Eublepharis pictus, is a species of gecko native to India. It inhabits the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, where it can be found in dry evergreen forests interspersed with scrublands and meadows.

Morphology and Discovery

This gecko species can reach a snout-vent length of up to 117 mm (4.6 inches). Distinctive physical characteristics include 23 to 26 rows of large, flat, keeled scales across its dorsum, interspersed with smaller scales. A notable feature is a single pale band situated between the nuchal loop and the caudal constriction. The species was formally discovered in 2022, with the initial specimen, a deceased female, found in a water tank in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This specimen was preserved and deposited in the collection of the National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bangalore.

Behavior and Ecology

Eublepharis pictus is a nocturnal species, meaning it is primarily active during the night. Observations have documented it foraging along trails after dusk. It utilizes its tongue as a sensory organ, actively licking surfaces to gather information about its surroundings.

Conservation

While the painted leopard gecko is reported to be widespread within its forest habitat, there are concerns regarding its conservation status. The species may be considered near threatened due to pressures from the wildlife trade and illegal smuggling activities, which pose a significant risk to its populations.