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.
