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.
