Agasthyagama edge: A Remarkable New Reptile Hops Into the Spotlight

The evergreen forests of the Idukki district have yielded an exciting scientific surprise — a brand new species of kangaroo lizard! Named Agasthyagama edge, this newly described reptile adds to the rich and rapidly growing list of endemic species from the Western Ghats.

Discovered and described by a team including herpetologist Sandeep Das of Aranyakam Nature Foundation and EDGE of Existence Fellow, the species was found in the mid-elevation evergreen forests of Kulamavu, Idukki. It is closely related to the better-known Agasthyagama beddomii, but shows clear morphological and genetic differences — including a distinct throat coloration and differences in scale counts.

Endemic Hotspot:
This discovery is particularly notable because A. edge is found only in a small patch of the Western Ghats north of the Shencottah Gap — a known biogeographic barrier. The species’ restricted range and specific habitat requirements highlight the need for focused conservation in the region.

Why It Matters:
The species’ name, edge, is a tribute to the Zoological Society of London’s EDGE of Existence programme, which supports research on Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered species. With unique evolutionary history and limited distribution, A. edge embodies the EDGE philosophy.

Living in the Shadows:
Often seen hopping through leaf litter like a tiny kangaroo, this species thrives in semi-evergreen and evergreen forest patches, particularly during the dry season when males display distinctive breeding colors. It is a rare example of a forest floor-dwelling agamid and serves as a flagship for the lesser-known fauna of the Ghats.