Species in news: Subdoluseps Nilgiriensis

  • IASbaba
  • May 18, 2021
  • 0
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Species in news: Subdoluseps Nilgiriensis

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment

In news

  • Researchers have discovered an Asian gracile skink species from Western Ghats.

Key takeaways 

  • It is named Subdoluseps nilgiriensis. 
  • It has a slender body (7 cm) 
  • It is sandy brown in colour.
  • It is closely related to Subdoluseps pruthi found in parts of the Eastern Ghats.
  • This species is only the third skink species discovered from mainland India in the last millennium.

Do you know? 

  • Skinks are non-venomous. 
  • They resemble snakes because of the often-inconspicuous limbs and the way they move on land.
  • Such resemblance often results in humans killing this harmless creature.
  • It is considered a vulnerable species. 
  • Threats: Seasonal forest fires, housing constructions and brick kiln industries in the area.

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