Scientists from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation in India have made a remarkable discovery of a new lizard species reminiscent of Vincent van Gogh’s painting, “The Starry Night.”
Expedition and Discovery
- The discovery occurred in the Southern Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu during an expedition in April 2022.
- The team, including Ishan Agarwal, Akshay Khandekar, and Tejas Thackeray, identified the lizard.
Description of Cnemaspis vangoghi
- Cnemaspis vangoghi is a small-sized gecko, reaching up to 3.4 cm in length.
- Its distinct yellow head and forebody, along with light blue spots on the back, resemble Van Gogh’s masterpiece.
- The lizard prefers habitats among rocks, occasionally seen on buildings and trees.
Publication and Recognition
- The findings were published in the esteemed journal ZooKeys, acknowledging the biodiversity of Tamil Nadu.
- The lizard was named Cnemaspis vangoghi in honor of Vincent van Gogh.
Biodiversity Exploration
- Tamil Nadu is recognized for its exceptional biodiversity.
- The team anticipates naming over 50 new lizard species from the region.
- Despite challenges faced during the expedition, including over 500 tick bites, the team’s efforts illuminated the ecological richness of Tamil Nadu.
Additional Discoveries
- Alongside Cnemaspis vangoghi, another species named Cnemaspis sathuragiriensis was discovered.
- Cnemaspis sathuragiriensis derives its name from its type locality, the Sathuragiri Hills.
- Both species inhabit low elevation, deciduous forests within the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve.
Micro-endemism
- The restricted localities of these species showcase a case of micro-endemism in low-elevation habitats.
- Micro-endemism refers to species restricted to very small geographic areas, often a few square kilometers or less.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the name of the lizard discovered by the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation?
- A) Cnemaspis sathuragiriensis
- B) Cnemaspis vangoghi
- C) Cnemaspis thackerayi
- D) Cnemaspis vanGoghii
- Where was the lizard discovered?
- A) Eastern Western Ghats
- B) Northern Western Ghats
- C) Southern Western Ghats
- D) Central Western Ghats
- What is the distinctive feature of Cnemaspis vangoghi?
- A) Red head and forebody
- B) Yellow head and forebody
- C) Blue head and forebody
- D) Green head and forebody
- Which famous painting does Cnemaspis vangoghi’s coloration resemble?
- A) “The Mona Lisa”
- B) “The Starry Night”
- C) “The Last Supper”
- D) “Sunflowers”
- What phenomenon is observed in the restricted localities of Cnemaspis vangoghi and Cnemaspis sathuragiriensis?
- A) Macro-endemism
- B) Micro-endemism
- C) Biogeographical dispersion
- D) Ecological succession