In a first, limbless skink sighted in Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary

Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam Forest officials have sighted Barkudia limbless skink (Barkudiamelanostica), a small reptile known for its unique limbless body and extraordinary adaptations.

The reptile has long eluded scientific observation.

This finding marks a significant milestone in the field of herpetology and reaffirms the sanctuary’s importance as a biodiversity hotspot.

Endemic in this region:

Believed to be endemic to this region, this remarkable discovery provides invaluable insights into the species’ behaviour, habitat preferences, and overall ecological role.

It is one of the two skink species within the same genus Barkudia (Barkudiainsularis being the other). The skink is distributed within its type locality, Visakhapatnam; and select habitats from Mahendragiri and Bhubaneshwar. The species is scantly studied due to its fossorial nature.

Kambalakonda:

Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary with its rich variety of flora and fauna has always been a source of fascination for researchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Spanning over 71 sqkm, the sanctuary boasts diverse ecosystems that provide a haven for numerous endangered and endemic species.

"This latest finding further solidifies its reputation as a crucial conservation area and underscores the importance of preserving such fragile ecosystems. The discovery of the existence of Barkudia limbless skink was undertaken by Yagnapathy Adari, a project scientist working with Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, who has earlier documented Dutta’sMahendragiri gecko (Hemidactylussushilduttai) for the first time from Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary back in 2020," said District Forest Office, Visakhapatnam Anant Shankar.

Limbless skink and its features:

The Barkudia limbless skink, fossorial is characterized by its elongated body, muddy brown colouration, and absence of limbs, representing a unique adaptation to its environment.

These specialized features enable it to manoeuvre effortlessly through leaf litter and loose soils, making it an adept hunter and an integral part of the local ecosystem.

Conversation efforts:

Forest Department is now taking immediate measures to protect the newly discovered population of Barkudia limbless skinks.

This newfound population of Barkudia limbless skinks within the protected area holds promise for further understanding the evolutionary dynamics and ecological interactions within the region.

According to DFO Anant Shankar, conservation efforts will include intensified monitoring, habitat preservation, and collaboration with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of conserving this rare and extraordinary reptile.

Eco-tourism centre:

Visakhapatnam forest division has initiated several protection and conservation measures in the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary. The Forest Department is developing Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary as an eco-tourism and nature sensitization centre and will become a major tourist attraction place in Visakhapatnam.