SUBDOLUSEPS NILGIRIENSIS

Subject: Science & tech

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

Concept:

Named Subdolusepsnilgiriensis, the reptile has a slender body of just about 7 cm and is sandy brown in colour.
The new species is closely related to Subdolusepspruthi found in parts of the Eastern Ghats.
The new species was found in a dry deciduous area, showing that even the dry zones of our country are home to unrealised skink diversity.
This species is only the third skink species discovered from mainland India in the last millennium.
Skinks are non-venomous. They resemble snakes because of the often-inconspicuous limbs and the way they move on land. Such resemblance has led to confusion often resulting in humans killing this harmless creature.
Subdolusepsnilgiriensis is currently considered a vulnerable species as there are potential threats from seasonal forest fires, housing constructions and brick kiln industries in the area.