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
