Jeypore Ground Gecko: Bauxite Mining Threatens Rare Species in Odisha's Balda Hills

Why in News?

The rare Jeypore Ground Gecko (Cyrtodactylus jeyporensis) has come into focus due to concerns that a proposed bauxite mining project in Odisha's Balda hills could damage its natural habitat. The species' restricted distribution makes habitat conservation particularly important.

Key Highlights

• Scientific name: Cyrtodactylus jeyporensis
• Family: Gekkonidae
• First described: Richard Henry Beddome, 1878 (publication year).
• Rediscovered: 2010, by researchers Ishan Agarwal and Aniruddha Datta-Roy in Odisha's Koraput district.
• Distribution: Eastern Ghats of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
• Habitat: High-elevation semi-evergreen forests and rocky areas, particularly around 1,200–1,300 metres.
• IUCN status: Endangered (EN).
• Major threats: Mining, deforestation, habitat fragmentation and illegal wildlife trade.

What is the Jeypore Ground Gecko?

• The Jeypore Ground Gecko is a small, mainly ground-dwelling reptile distinguished by its patterned brownish body, relatively broad head and distinctive scales. Its total length is approximately 9–12 cm.
• Originally documented in the late 19th century, the species remained unrecorded for over a century before its rediscovery in 2010.
• It inhabits isolated forest patches of the Eastern Ghats, making it particularly vulnerable to environmental disturbances.

Conservation Concerns

• The proposed bauxite mining activity in the Balda hills raises concerns about forest clearance, habitat fragmentation and disturbance of rocky microhabitats.
• The species is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is included in Appendix II of CITES, which regulates international trade.

Significance for India

• The conservation of the Jeypore Ground Gecko highlights the importance of protecting the Eastern Ghats' unique biodiversity. Environmental impact assessments, habitat protection and long-term scientific monitoring are essential to prevent further decline.

MCQ – ENGLISH

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Jeypore Ground Gecko:

1. It is endemic to the Eastern Ghats of India.
2. It was rediscovered in 2010 after remaining unrecorded for more than 130 years.
3. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
4. Its natural habitat is threatened by bauxite mining in Odisha.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer : B