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**Summary:**

A new species of gecko, named *Dravidogecko coonoor*, has been discovered in Coonoor, in the Nilgiris region of Tamil Nadu, India. Previously mistaken for *Dravidogecko anamallensis*, further research revealed it to be a distinct species. This discovery brings the total number of *Dravidogecko* species found in the Western Ghats to nine. The gecko has been observed in both urban and natural environments. Researchers express concern about its vulnerability due to habitat fragmentation, deforestation, and climate change as its known habitat lies outside protected areas.

**News Article:**

**New Gecko Species Discovered in Nilgiris, Facing Potential Threats**

**UDHAGAMANDALAM, June 23, 2025** – A new species of gecko, *Dravidogecko coonoor*, has been identified in the Coonoor region of the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, India. The discovery, published in the journal ‘Bionimina’, was made by researchers A. Abinesh, R.S. Naveen, A.N. Srikanthan, S. Babu, and S.R. Ganesh.

Initially mistaken for the *Dravidogecko anamallensis* species, thorough surveys throughout the Western Ghats revealed distinct characteristics, leading to the designation of *Dravidogecko coonoor* as a separate species. This new addition brings the total number of *Dravidogecko* species identified in the Western Ghats to nine.

“Surveys done throughout the Western Ghats led to the subsequent discovery of eight different Dravidogecko species,” said lead author Abinesh

The gecko has been observed in a variety of habitats, including urban settings like building walls, as well as natural environments such as tree branches and crevices.

Researchers are raising concerns about the long-term survival of *Dravidogecko coonoor*. The species’ known habitat exists entirely outside protected areas, making it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, deforestation, and the potential impacts of climate change. According to Abinesh, *Dravidogecko* is the only species of gecko endemic to the high elevation regions of the Western Ghats

“This makes them highly susceptible to population decline due to habitat fragmentation, deforestation and potentially, climate change,” warned Mr. Abinesh. The researchers are urging conservation efforts to protect this newly discovered species and its fragile habitat.

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