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Mesalina bishnoi

stylish_lining

Mesalina bishnoi is a newly discovered species of lizard found near Gajner in Bikaner district, Rajasthan. The species inhabits an arid landscape characterized by hard, rocky soil and sparse desert vegetation.

It represents the first confirmed record of the genus Mesalina in India. The genus comprises small, fast-moving, diurnal lizards that are adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. Although British zoologist Malcolm A. Smith mentioned Mesalina watsonana in Jaisalmer in 1935, no specimen-based evidence had previously confirmed the genus's presence in India.

The species has been named Mesalina bishnoi in honour of the Bishnoi community for its long-standing commitment to wildlife and environmental conservation.

Physical Features

Mesalina bishnoi is a small-bodied lizard with a snout-vent length of 39.2 mm. It exhibits a greyish to olive-brown coloration with a pair of dorsolateral stripes extending from the neck towards the tail. Distinctive black markings behind the eyes, along with irregular dark blotches and white spots on the body, give it a mottled appearance. Its underside is pale grey to off-white.


 

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ACQ IAS