Context:
Recently, the first-ever sighting of the elusive Barkudia limbless skink has been reported within the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary boundaries in Visakhapatnam.
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
Dimensions of the Article:
- About New Species
- Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary
About New Species:
- The Visakhapatnam limbless skink (Barkudia melanosticta) is a small reptile known for its distinctive limbless body and remarkable adaptations. It has remained elusive to scientific observations for a long time.
- This species is believed to be endemic to the Visakhapatnam region.
Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is a vast forest reserve situated near Vishakapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, India.
- The sanctuary derives its name from the local hill, Kambalakonda.
- It has been under the administration of the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department since 1970.
- Topography: The sanctuary features considerable hilly terrain with steep slopes.
Flora:
- The forest cover in the sanctuary primarily consists of dry evergreen forests, along with a mix of scrublands and meadows.
- Notable flora in the region includes the striking Indian screw tree and various flowers and fruits like the Bush plum tree and Jungle berry bunches.
Fauna:
- The sanctuary is home to several rare animal species, including the Indian leopard, Indian pangolin, Madras treeshrew, Barking Deer, and Jackal.
- It also houses the Russel’s viper (Daboia russelii), a rare breed of snake.
- The avian population in the sanctuary includes uncommon birds such as the Indian Golden oriole, Indian peafowl, and Banded bay cuckoo.
-Source: The Hindu
