| Hemiphyllodactylus jnana | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Gekkota |
| Family: | Gekkonidae |
| Genus: | Hemiphyllodactylus |
| Species: | H. jnana |
| Binomial name | |
| Hemiphyllodactylus jnana Khandekar, Giri, Ramakrishnan, & Karanth, 2019 | |
Hemiphyllodactylus jnana is a species of gecko in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to the Western Ghats of India, specifically known from the Kodagu district of Karnataka state. [1]
The specific epithet "jnana" is derived from the Sanskrit word ज्ञान (jñāna), meaning "knowledge" or "wisdom," reflecting the species' discovery through systematic taxonomic research in the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats region. [1]
Hemiphyllodactylus jnana was described by Agarwal, Mahony, Giri, Chaitanya, and Bauer in 2019 as part of a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the Hemiphyllodactylus geckos of Peninsular India. [1] The description was based on both morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses, which revealed significant genetic divergence from other Hemiphyllodactylus species in the region.
The species was previously confused with other members of the genus, particularly H. aurantiacus , but was determined to represent a distinct evolutionary lineage based on mitochondrial DNA sequences and morphological differences. [1] [2]
Hemiphyllodactylus jnana is a small gecko with the following characteristics:
The species exhibits typical Hemiphyllodactylus features, including a slender body form and relatively small size. [1] Key diagnostic features include:
The dorsal coloration varies but typically includes patterns that provide camouflage against tree bark and forest substrates. [1] Like other members of the genus, the species likely exhibits some degree of color variation.
Hemiphyllodactylus jnana is currently known only from its type locality in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, in the Western Ghats mountain range. [1] The Western Ghats is recognized as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots and harbors exceptional levels of endemism.
The species inhabits tropical evergreen forests and is typically found on tree trunks and vegetation in forested areas. The elevational range and precise habitat preferences require further study.
As a recently described species with a limited known distribution, Hemiphyllodactylus jnana has not yet been formally assessed by the IUCN Red List. However, like many endemic species of the Western Ghats, it may face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and climate change. Further surveys are needed to determine the species' true range and population status.
Limited information is available about the ecology and behavior of Hemiphyllodactylus jnana. Like other members of the genus, it is presumed to be nocturnal and arboreal, feeding primarily on small invertebrates. [1] Members of Hemiphyllodactylus are known for their ability to vocalize, producing characteristic clicking sounds.
Molecular phylogenetic analyses place H. jnana within the South Asian clade of Hemiphyllodactylus, showing relationships with other Peninsular Indian species. [1] The species represents one of several distinct lineages of Hemiphyllodactylus endemic to the Western Ghats, highlighting the region's importance for gecko diversification.
The discovery of Hemiphyllodactylus jnana underscores the taxonomic complexity and high levels of cryptic diversity within Asian Hemiphyllodactylus geckos. [1] The species exemplifies how integrative taxonomic approaches combining morphological and molecular data can reveal previously unrecognized biodiversity, even in relatively well-studied regions.
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