Cnemaspis rashidi

About Cnemaspis rashidi

• It is a new species of gecko.
• So far, 93 species of gecko have been documented and this is the 94th species.
• The new species is also called Rashid’s dwarf gecko as it is the smallest among the genus.
• It is approximately two inches long from its snout to vent.
• It was found at an altitude of 1,245 metres at Kottamalai estate near Rajapalayam.
• Appearance: It displayed a combination of a beautiful colour pattern of yellow, white and black adorning its back, making it stand out among its gecko relatives. 
• It is endemic to the Western Ghats.

Key points about Western Ghats

• It is also called Sahyadri, north–south-running range of mountains in western India. 
• It forms the crest of the western edge of the Deccan plateau parallel to the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea.
• The Western Ghats are a biodiversity hotspot, a biologically rich but threatened region, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• They play a huge role in India’s monsoon weather pattern.

Q1) What is a plateau?

It is a flat or gently sloping elevated area of land that is characterized by its relatively high elevation above the surrounding terrain. Plateaus can vary in size from small, flat-topped hills to massive, extensive regions covering thousands of square kilometers. They are important geological features and can be found on every continent.

Source: New species of gecko found in Western Ghats near Rajapalayam