Zoological Survey of India lists 62 species of Skinks

Zoological Survey of India lists 62 species of Skinks

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Biodiversity

In news

• A recent publication by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) reveals that India is home to 62 species of skinks.
• Title of the publication: Skinks of India.

Key takeaways

• It gives a phylogenetic (evolutionary development) and bio-geographical analysis of distribution of these species in all the 11 bio-geographic zones of India.
• India is home to less than 4% of the skinks across the globe. 
• 62 species of skinks are found in India.
• About 57% of them (33 species) are endemic.
• The four genera of skinks which are endemic to India are: (1) Sepsophis punctatus is endemic to the northern part of Eastern Ghats; (2) Barkudia are limbless skinks found in the hills and coastal plains of the eastern coast; (3) Kaestlea, also known as blue-tailed ground skinks, are endemic to the Western Ghats; (4) Ristella, also known as Cat skinks, are endemic to the southern part of Western Ghats.

Important value additions

Skinks

• It is the largest family of lizards.
• There are 1,602 species of skinks across the world.
• It has long body relatively small or no legs, no pronounced neck and glossy scales.
• It is found around homes, garages, and open spaces such as sparks and school playgrounds, and around lakes.
• Skinks are non-venomous, highly alert, agile and fast moving.
• They actively forage for a variety of insects and small invertebrates.
• They have a prominent role in maintaining ecosystems. 
• However, not much is known about their breeding habits, and ecology because identification of the species can be confusing.
• In India skinks are found in all kinds of habitats in the country, from the Himalayas to the coasts and from dense forests to the deserts.

Do you know?

• Barkudia insularis is believed to be found only in the Barkud Island in Chilka lake in Odisha.
• Barkudia melanosticta is endemic to Visakhapatnam.