New gecko species found in Kerala.

Why in news?

• A team of researchers recently discovered a new gecko species in the Western Ghats of Kerala. The species has been named as Hemidactylus easai.
• The species was named after the former director of the Kerala Forest and Research Institute P S Easa.
• The species was found in the drier regions of the forest. It measured 105 mm from snout to vent. The species was light brown in colour and was found near human habitation.

About Geckos

• Geckos are lizards and are found everywhere in the world except Antarctica. They are mainly found in warm climates of the world.
• There are more than 180 species of geckos in the world. India has 48.
• Of these 48, 30 are in Kerala.
• Geckos are not a threat to human habitation.
• They play a major role in controlling the insect population.
• Gecko is an Indonesian word. It is imitative of the sound made by the species.
• They are unique for their vocalisation. They use chirping and clicking sounds for their social interactions. They make hissing sounds when threatened or alarmed.