Rare Jeypore Ground Gecko

In News

• Recently, the Jeypore Ground Gecko, has been included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Image Courtesy: DTE

About 

• It is a reptile endemic to India.
• Scientific Name: Cyrtodactylus jeyporensis
• Location: 
  • The Eastern Ghats 
  • Known to be present in four locations including southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh.
• History:
  • The species is rare and was first described in 1878
  • Rediscovered in 2010 and 2011, after a gap of over 130 years.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Status: Endangered
  • CITES: Appendix II
  • Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Not listed

• Significance of Appendix II:
  • May not necessarily be threatened with extinction, but trade in such species should be controlled to ensure it does not threaten their existence.

• Threats:
  • habitat loss and degradation, 
  • poaching for domestic and international trade,
  • forest fires, 
  • tourism, 
  • quarrying and mining activity
• Way Ahead:
  • The regulation is needed to prevent illegal export and control the activities in India.

Source: DTE