A 2025 research paper by three Vidarbha-based researchers has documented the fan-throated lizard species Sarada deccanensis in the rocky and dry grasslands of Daryapur in Amravati district. The study underscores the ecological importance of a landscape that is routinely dismissed as wasteland.
Research Details
The paper was authored by Rajmeher Nishane, Amey Thakare, and biologist Darshan Dudhane. According to the researchers, this documentation enhances the understanding of the distribution, ecology, and conservation significance of the species, which inhabits rocky and scrubland areas in central India.
Species Context
Sarada deccanensis is one of three fan-throated lizard species recorded in Vidarbha, alongside Sitana laticeps and Sitana spinaecephalus. The paper notes that Maharashtra hosts five documented species of fan-throated lizards.
Behavioral Traits
The male of Sarada deccanensis displays a colorful, fan-like throat flap known as the dewlap during the breeding season. This feature is used to attract females and assert territorial dominance.
Habitat and Conservation
The Daryapur habitat is part of central India's rocky and arid grassland belt. The researchers emphasize that such areas are often overlooked in conservation planning and misclassified as wasteland, despite supporting a range of specialized flora and fauna adapted to harsh environmental conditions.
Threats
The researchers highlight increasing pressure from land-use change, agriculture, infrastructure development, and habitat degradation in the region. They stress that conservation of rocky grasslands must be prioritized to ensure the long-term survival of the fan-throated lizard and other species dependent on these habitats.
