Rare Animals of India

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Agamid Lizards of India: Emphasis on Distribution and Conservation Status of Endemic and Rare Species

Author(s): P. D. Venugopal

Pp: 62-75 (14)

DOI:10.2174/9781608054855113010006

* (Excluding Mailing and Handling)

Abstract

The agamid lizards in India are morphologically and ecologically diverse,inhabiting varied range of altitudes and habitats. Currently, 48 agamid speciescomprising of 17 Genera and including 20 endemic species have been reported fromIndia. High species diversity of Indian agamids corresponds to regions with evergreenforests, particularly the Himalayas extending in the north-east portions of India (15species), north eastern states (13 species) and the Western Ghats (14 species). Aboutone-third of the 48 species, are currently classified as critically endangered, endangeredand vulnerable according to IUCN, and the remaining species are at lower risk orlacking information. Recent changes in distribution and taxonomy have resulted in morenumber for species requiring assessments. The non-availability of conservation statusassessments for 18 species are a grim reminder that reiterate the need for new andupdated assessments. Currently, there is a scarcity of detailed information on theecology and natural history of most Indian agamid lizards. In this chapter, I emphasizethe need for ecological studies on individual species, which are imperative for speciesconservation, while providing a comprehensive compilation of information on a fewrare, endemic and threatened agamid lizard species.

Keywords:Reptilia, Sauria, Agamidae, lizards, India, endemic, endangered, rare,distribution, conservation, biogeographic zones, Pseudocalotes austeniana, aborhills agama, Calotes aurantolabium, orange-lipped forest lizard, Otocryptisbeddomii, Indian kangaroo lizard, natural history, IUCN categories, taxonomy.