KOTTIYOOR DAY GECKO | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The biodiversity survey first recorded the presence of Beddome’s Cat Skink (Ristella Beddomy) in Aralam and Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuaries. The survey also reaffirmed the presence of Kottiyoor Day Gecko (cnesepis kottiyoorensis), a critically endangered species discovered in 2014 after decades of not reporting.
Cat skink, also called Beddome’s Ristella, is a small reddish brown lizard with retractable claws and bicarinate scales located in the Western Ghats forests at an altitude of 400-1 300 meters. Named after British scientist Richard Henry Beddome is considered to be rare and endemic to the region.
Beddome’s Cat Skink | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Officials stated that the findings emphasize the rich lizard’s diversity of both shrines, which together support several species unique to Western Ghats. Experts have noted that discoveries emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and maintaining a fragile ecosystem.
The survey, organized by the forest department and Malabar awareness and the Wildlife Rescue Center (Marc) within the Aralam Wildlife Division, took place from 20 to 23 September.
During the exercise, six previously uninhabited agamide lizards, four skinks and five geckos were documented.
The team saw Kottiyoor Day Gecko in the Suryamudi Forest in Kottiyoor Sanctuary. Part of the initiative was also training for forest staff, while herpetologist Dr. SR Ganesh led the workshop to identify lizards and Minister Marc Dr. RoshnhnHhnhnhn Ramesh explained the techniques of the survey.
The program was inaugurated in Valayamchal in Aralam Sanctuary Warden V. Ratheesan, while the participants also addressed Ramya Raghavan. Officials stated that the survey provides a valuable base for future studies of lesser -known Plazich Western Ghats, and subsequent surveys are planned for amphibians, including endangered Kottiyoor frogs.
Published – 28 September 2025 17:52 IS IS
