Conservation Threats to Jeypore Gecko

Jeypore Ground Gecko: A Case Study on Conservation and Biodiversity

Species Overview:

• Jeypore Ground Gecko (Cnemaspis jeyporensis): Rediscovered in 2010 after being presumed extinct for 130 years.
• Size: Approximately 3.6 inches long, characterized by a yellow-orange body and large head.
• Geographical location: Primarily located in the Eastern Ghats, particularly in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

Recent Findings:

• Only four individuals documented in 2025 and three more sightings in 2026, raising concerns about the species' survival.
• Species is endangered, largely due to habitat loss.

Habitat Threats:

• The gecko's habitat is declining due to:
  • Bauxite mining: Notably associated with the Adani Group’s proposed opencast mining project covering 147 hectares in the Balda hills, part of the Nageswari reserve forest.
  • Transformation of forests into coffee plantations and hydropower projects.

Historical Insight:

• Original description of the species by Richard Henry Beddome in 1878.
• Habitat where first documented (Potangi, Odisha) lost to mining activities by the National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO).

Community Impact:

• The local Adivasi communities (Bondo and Porja) oppose the mining proposal, claiming ancestral rights over the land.
• Communities applied for forest rights, which have been denied by the government. They have been actively protesting against mining activities, including stopping drone surveillance by the Adani Group.

Ecological Significance:

• Ishan Agarwal, the ecologist who rediscovered the gecko, highlights its ecological and biogeographical importance as it split from its relatives over 20 million years ago.
• The Balda hills are home to a wealth of biodiversity including unique species like the Gegeneophis orientalis (limbless amphibian).

Conservation Recommendations:

• Romulus Whitaker, a renowned herpetologist, emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize biodiversity conservation in the area, particularly for the Jeypore ground gecko and other related species.
• Strong opposition to mining activities is urged to protect this flagship species and its habitat.

Conclusion: The plight of the Jeypore ground gecko reflects broader environmental and social issues surrounding resource extraction in ecologically sensitive areas. Conservation efforts are critical to safeguard not only this unique species but also the rights of indigenous populations dependent on the land. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach that respects ecological integrity and community rights.