Ganeshaiah’s Dwarf Gecko

March 17, 2023

A new species of gecko, Cnemaspis ganeshaiahi, has been discovered in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills) in Chamarajanagar, Karnataka. This gecko species is endemic to this area and has been named after KN Ganeshaiah, a renowned agricultural scientist and Kannada writer. Researchers from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE) announced the discovery of this new species.

Habitat and Characteristics of Cnemaspis ganeshaiahi

Cnemaspis ganeshaiahi is a diurnal gecko species that resides in dry deciduous and scrub forests. These geckos are typically found in crevices of walls or boulders. This species has a unique combination of morphological and color patterns, which is not present in other closely related species. According to researchers, the gecko appears to be restricted to MM Hills and surrounding areas of the Eastern Ghats.

Recognition of Ganeshaiah’s Contributions

Researchers have named this species after KN Ganeshaiah in recognition of his contributions to ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation biology. Ganeshaiah has been a professor of plant genetics and breeding at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, for many years. This is the fourth species to be named after him by researchers from various scientific institutions.

Other Species Named After KN Ganeshaiah

Previously, researchers have named a grass species, Centotheca ganeshaiahiana, at the Saddle Peak National Park, North Andaman. They also named a small cryptic ant species, Parasyscia ganeshaiahi, found in decaying logs or under rocks. Additionally, a cycas species, Cycas uma-ganeshaiahi, has been named after Ganeshaiah.

Ganeshaiah’s Contributions to Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

KN Ganeshaiah is a renowned agricultural scientist, Kannada writer, and professor of plant genetics and breeding at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru. He is known for his contributions to ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation biology. He has published many research papers and books, including “Biodiversity of the Western Ghats” and “Ecology, Evolution and Conservation of Plants.” His contributions to these fields have earned him recognition from the scientific community, and his name is synonymous with biodiversity research.

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