The disappearing resident: Rare ground gecko rediscovered in Aarey forest

The rare gecko Cyrtodactylus varadgirii photographed during a recent sighting in Aarey forest. Pics/Saurabh Sawant

A relatively uncommon gecko species, Cyrtodactylus varadgirii, named after noted scientist Varad Giri, was recently spotted in Aarey forest by wildlife enthusiasts and a researcher. Experts, however, cautioned that the species, once commonly seen in the area, now appears to be declining, with spotting even a single individual becoming difficult during recent visits.

Species discovery

The species was first described in 2016 by wildlife researchers Dr Ishan Agarwal, Zeeshan Mirza, Anurag Mishra, Saunak Pal, and Dr Aaron Bauer. Earlier, it was believed to be Geckoella collegalensis, but following detailed DNA analysis and examination of its morphological features, researchers identified and described it as a distinct species.

Recent sighting

A few days ago, naturalist and wildlife photographer Saurabh Sawant, along with Yogesh Patel, and Prabhu Swami, spotted Cyrtodactylus varadgirii during a visit to Aarey.

Habitat threat

Naturalist and wildlife photographer Yogesh Patel, who has studied the species since 2014, notes that the gecko - formerly known as the Kollegal Ground Gecko - was once common across Aarey's rocky scrublands. However, Patel warns of a worrying decline; recent surveys have struggled to locate even a single individual. He attributes this disappearance to habitat destruction driven by urban expansion, the disturbance of rocky terrains, and the increasing threat of illegal poaching for the exotic pet trade.

Expert concern

Saurabh Sawant said, "Belonging to the remarkably diverse genus Cyrtodactylus - a group in which new species continue to be described with surprising regularity - C varadgirii is one of the more widespread members of the Indian ground-gecko lineage, currently recorded from Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. It is also unusual among its close relatives in being associated not only with natural habitats but with open and human-modified landscapes, including urban green spaces like Aarey."

Sawant notes that while sightings in Aarey seem to be declining, systematic monitoring is required to confirm this trend. He emphasises that these records highlight the vital role of remnant urban habitats in preserving overlooked reptile and amphibian diversity.

2016
Year Cyrtodactylus varadgirii got ‘distinct species' identity