Barkudia limbless skink
A groundbreaking discovery was made at the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary on Monday—the first-ever sighting of the Barkudia limbless skink (Barkudiamelanostica). This remarkable small reptile has long been an enigma to scientists due to its unique limbless body and exceptional adaptations.
The significance of this finding cannot be overstated. It represents a major milestone in the field of herpetology and reinforces the sanctuary’s status as a crucial biodiversity hotspot. What makes this sighting even more special is that it occurred on the International Day of Biodiversity.
The credit for discovering the existence of the Barkudia limbless skink goes to Yagnapathy Adari, a Project Scientist working with the AP Forest Department. The reptile was previously believed to be endemic to the Visakhapatnam region.
The Barkudia limbless skink is a fossorial creature, meaning it burrows and lives underground. It is characterized by its elongated body, muddy brown coloration, and the absence of limbs—an extraordinary adaptation to its environment.
Recognizing the importance of this rare reptile, the Visakhapatnam Forest Division has taken various measures to protect and conserve it. The Forest Department is also developing the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary as a center for ecotourism and nature education. In the near future, it is expected to become a significant tourist attraction in the city, according to Anant Shankar, the District Forest Officer of Visakhapatnam.