Tiny Wonder From Tirumala: New Gecko Species Named After Lord Venkateswara Discovered

As the first rays of the morning sun touched the lush canopies of the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve, a team of scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) stumbled upon something remarkable deep

inside the sacred Tirumala hill ranges — a new species of slender gecko that had never been recorded before.

During their expedition, the researchers were exploring the biodiversity-rich sandalwood forests located around 881 metres above sea level, when they noticed a faint movement beneath the bark of a tree. What they found was a small, delicate lizard belonging to the Hemiphyllodactylus genus.

After close genetic and morphological analysis, the team confirmed that this was indeed a previously unknown species. To honour the sanctity and grandeur of the Tirumala hills, they named it Hemiphyllodactylus venkataradri — derived from ‘Venkata’ (a name of Lord Vishnu, meaning “the remover of sins”) and ‘Adri’ (meaning “mountain”). The name literally translates to “the mountain that removes sins”.

Genetic Distinction And Features

The new species, Venkataradri slender gecko, shows significant genetic variation — 9.7 to 12.9% — from its closest relatives found in peninsular India, such as H. jnana, H. neilgiriensis, and H. peninsularis.

Physically, it displays unique features that distinguish it from other species in the same genus, including 12 to 16 beard-like scales, 6 to 8 precloacal pores, and 5 to 7 femoral pores separated by poreless scales. Despite its tiny size, this little reptile has made a big mark in Indian zoological history.

This discovery makes it only the second species of Hemiphyllodactylus ever recorded from Andhra Pradesh, underscoring how much remains unexplored in the Eastern Ghats.

A Rare Find Published In An International Journal

The discovery has been formally published in the international journal Herpetozoa. ZSI Director Dr. Dhriti Banerjee lauded the research team for their contribution to biodiversity science.

Experts say the finding adds to a growing list of new reptile species discovered in the Eastern Ghats over the past decade — highlighting how this ecologically rich region remains under-studied compared to the Western Ghats.

Why This Matters

The discovery of the Venkataradri slender gecko is more than just a new entry in zoological records. It reinforces the importance of systematic exploration and field research in India’s lesser-known ecosystems. Scientists believe that many such hidden species continue to thrive in the dense forests of Andhra Pradesh and the Eastern Ghats, waiting to be discovered.

As one researcher put it, this little lizard — named after the sacred Tirumala hills — is a reminder that even the smallest creatures can reveal the vastness of India’s natural heritage.