Bengaluru has yet another reason to celebrate one of its most distinguished scientists, Prof. KN Ganeshaiah. The acclaimed agricultural scientist from the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) Bengaluru and noted Kannada writer has joined an elite group of Kannadigas with multiple eponymous taxa—floral and faunal species named in their honor.

Researchers have recently named a newly discovered gecko species endemic to the Male Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills) in Chamarajanagar after Prof. Ganeshaiah. This makes it the fourth species to bear his name, highlighting his significant contributions to the fields of ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation science.


Discovery of a Unique Gecko

The discovery was made by researchers from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE), Bengaluru, who were conducting studies in the MM Hills and the surrounding Eastern Ghats. During their research, they encountered a distinct rupicolous Cnemaspis (a genus of Afro-Asian geckos) with unique morphological and color patterns that set it apart from other closely related species.

Following extensive comparative studies and consultations with experts from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Herpetology Laboratory at La Sierra University, California, and the San Diego Natural History Museum, the species was formally named 'Cnemaspis ganeshaiahi', or Ganeshaiah’s dwarf gecko.

A Rare and Distinct Species

According to NA Aravind, a researcher from ATREE and co-author of the discovery paper, the species was found within the MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, specifically in Keeranhola village. The gecko thrives in dry deciduous and scrub forest habitats, often seen within rock crevices and on boulders. It is primarily diurnal and exhibits unique morphological traits confirmed through molecular and genetic analyses.

Aravind emphasized that the team sought permission from the forest department to collect specimens for further study. Their analysis revealed strong variations in the morphological characteristics of the newly discovered species, confirming it as a previously unknown reptile.

Ganeshaiah’s Contributions to Science

The decision to name the species after Prof. KN Ganeshaiah was driven by his remarkable contributions to multiple scientific disciplines. In addition to being an esteemed professor of plant genetics and breeding at UAS Bengaluru, he has made significant strides in evolutionary biology and conservation science.

This marks the fourth species named after Prof. Ganeshaiah, joining:

  • Centotheca ganeshaiahiana – A grass species found in Saddle Peak National Park, North Andaman.
  • Parasyscia ganeshaiahi – A small cryptic ant species discovered in decaying logs and under rocks.
  • Cycas uma-ganeshaiahi – A cycad species named in honor of Prof. Ganeshaiah and his wife.

Kannadiga Scientists with Eponymous Species

Prof. Ganeshaiah joins a distinguished list of Kannadiga scientists who have multiple species named after them:

  • BGL Swamy – Acclaimed botanist and writer, with about seven species named in his honor.
  • Prof. M Sanjappa – A renowned botanist with close to ten species named after him.
  • Prof. CA Viraktamath – A retired entomologist from UAS, holding the record among Kannadigas with nearly 40 species named after him.

A Legacy Set in Stone

The naming of Cnemaspis ganeshaiahi serves as a testament to Prof. Ganeshaiah’s enduring influence in the scientific community. It not only honors his scholarly contributions but also underscores the significance of continued ecological research and conservation efforts in India’s diverse landscapes.

With this latest addition, the legacy of Prof. KN Ganeshaiah continues to thrive—not just in academic institutions, but now, quite literally, in the wild.