Satpura Leopard Gecko: A Brand New Species Discovered!

Avery Sinclair in Science & Nature August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unveiling Eublepharis satpuraensis: A new lizard species found in India's Satpura Hills, challenging old classifications and highlighting the need for dedicated herpetofaunal research."

Leopard geckos (Eublepharidae) are a diverse family of lizards found worldwide. While there are 31 known species across six genera, these nocturnal creatures remain relatively understudied, especially in regions like India. In India, the genus Eublepharis was previously believed to be represented by three species with disjunct distributions: E. macularius, E. fuscus, and E. hardwickii.

A recent herpetological investigation in the Satpura Hills of central India led to the collection of Eublepharis specimens that couldn't be definitively assigned to any of the known Indian species. This sparked a re-evaluation of existing classifications, as previous researchers had mistakenly identified this population as Eublepharis hardwickii.

Detailed morphological comparisons with fresh collections and available museum specimens revealed that this distinct population from the Satpura Hills represents a new species. This article introduces Eublepharis satpuraensis, providing a comprehensive description and shedding light on its unique characteristics and evolutionary relationships.

Distinguishing Features of Eublepharis satpuraensis

Eublepharis satpuraensis is a medium-sized leopard gecko, reaching a maximum snout-vent length (SVL) of 130 mm. It can be distinguished from its congeners by a specific combination of traits:

The key characteristics that set this new species apart include:

SVL ranging from 125–130 mm.
Dome-shaped tubercles without keels arranged in approximately 20 rows on the dorsum, with inter-tubercular spaces wider than the tubercles themselves.
Presence of 46–48 ocular fringe scales.
Three pale bands located between the nuchal loop and caudal constriction.
Smooth median subdigital lamellae.
13–14 preanal pores, sometimes interrupted medially by a single poreless scale.

The holotype, an adult male (BNHS 2301), was meticulously described, noting its morphometric and meristic characteristics. Coloration in both preserved specimens and living individuals was recorded. Measurements and scale counts further help to differentiate this species from its relatives.

Implications for Conservation and Future Research

The discovery of Eublepharis satpuraensis highlights the critical need for continued herpetofaunal surveys across India, especially in biodiversity-rich areas such as the Satpura Hills. This finding challenges previous classifications and underscores the importance of detailed morphological and molecular analyses for accurate species identification.

Previous misidentification of E. satpuraensis as E. hardwickii by earlier researchers emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive revision of the genus Eublepharis. Such a revision should incorporate both morphological and molecular data to resolve taxonomic uncertainties and clarify evolutionary relationships.

This discovery also has implications for conservation efforts. Accurate identification and understanding of species distributions are essential for effective conservation management. Further research is needed to determine the full distribution range of E. satpuraensis and assess its conservation status, especially given the potential threats from habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.11606/issn.2316-9079.v13i2p75-90, Alternate LINK

Title: A New Species Of Lizard Of The Genus Eublepharis (Squamata: Eublepharidae) From India

Subject: Animal Science and Zoology

Journal: Phyllomedusa: Journal of Herpetology

Publisher: Universidade de Sao Paulo, Agencia USP de Gestao da Informacao Academica (AGUIA)

Authors: Zeeshan A. Mirza, Rajesh V. Sanap, David Raju, Atish Gawai, Prathamesh Ghadekar

Published: 2014-12-24

Everything You Need To Know

What is Eublepharis satpuraensis?

Eublepharis satpuraensis is a newly discovered species of leopard gecko. It was found in India's Satpura Hills, and it is a medium-sized lizard that can reach a maximum snout-vent length (SVL) of 130 mm. This discovery is significant because it expands our understanding of biodiversity in the region and challenges previously held classifications of leopard geckos in India. The identification of this new species necessitates further research and conservation efforts.

What are the key features that distinguish Eublepharis satpuraensis from other leopard geckos?

Some of the distinguishing features of Eublepharis satpuraensis include an SVL ranging from 125–130 mm, dome-shaped tubercles without keels arranged in approximately 20 rows on the dorsum, and the presence of 46–48 ocular fringe scales. Other key characteristics are three pale bands located between the nuchal loop and caudal constriction, smooth median subdigital lamellae, and 13–14 preanal pores, sometimes interrupted medially by a single poreless scale. These features are crucial for differentiating it from other known species of leopard geckos, as they are unique to this newly discovered species.

Why is the discovery of Eublepharis satpuraensis significant?

The discovery of Eublepharis satpuraensis is important because it underscores the need for continuous herpetofaunal surveys in India, specifically in areas like the Satpura Hills, which are rich in biodiversity. This finding challenges the prior understanding of leopard gecko classifications and highlights the importance of detailed morphological and molecular analyses to accurately identify species. Identifying new species helps in assessing the overall biodiversity of the region, conservation efforts, and ecological balance.

How does this discovery impact the understanding of the genus Eublepharis in India?

The genus Eublepharis, to which Eublepharis satpuraensis belongs, is a group of leopard geckos. Before this discovery, the genus was thought to be represented by three species in India: E. macularius, E. fuscus, and E. hardwickii. This new finding changes this classification, suggesting a greater diversity of leopard geckos in India than previously recognized. Further research is needed to fully understand the distribution and relationships among all these species.

What are the implications of this discovery, and what further research is needed?

Ongoing research is necessary to fully understand the implications of finding Eublepharis satpuraensis. This includes detailed morphological and molecular analysis to confirm its classification and to study its evolutionary relationships with other leopard gecko species. Continued herpetofaunal surveys are crucial to identify other potentially unknown species. This knowledge is critical for developing effective conservation strategies and protecting the unique biodiversity of the Satpura Hills and surrounding areas.