Research Article - International Journal of Pure and Applied Zoology (2014) Volume 2, Issue 4

Diversity of Lizards (Reptilia: Sauria) of Gandhamardan Hills Range of Western Orissa, India

While anthropogenic pressure is very high throughout the globe, the biodiversity needs conservation. However, a lack of good identification literature for certain taxa such as amphibians and reptiles substantially delays ecological research in this region. Here, we compiled an illustrated species list of Lizards (a group of reptiles) based on two years of research i.e. during monsoon and post monsoon of 2012 and 2013 in and around the Gandhamardan Hills Range (GHR) of Western Orissa and supplemented it with data from the literature. In total, our survey and the literature review revealed ten species of lizards in four families and six genera. Our results highlight the GHR area as an important herpetological spot in Orissa as well as in India. Appropriate utilization of species lists like this may facilitate capacity-building of local scientists and knowledgeable local guides working in this field of research.

Author(s): Soubhagya Pradhan, Devraj Mishra and. K.R. Sahu

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