06 Oca 2025 Pazartesi
A comprehensive review of the indian spiny-tailed lizard Saara hardwickii (Gray, 1827) from Indian subcontinent
Abstract : Saara hardwickii (Gray, 1827), the Indian spiny-tailed lizard, is a keystone species vital to the arid ecosystems of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Its burrowing habit improves the condition of the soil and helps in completing arid food webs in the region. The species suffers from habitat fragmentation despite its ecological significance, particularly in the Thar Desert and Gujarat's Kutch region. The primary threat to this species is commercial exploitation of its meat, skin, and oil—the latter of which is thought to have significant therapeutic value. Illegal trade and habitat loss also contribute to the depletion of this species. The present review seeks to understand and assess the scientific work being done on the species till date globally and provides a holistic picture of understanding the literature available on Indian Spiny-tailed lizard. According to data, there are currently less than 100 scientific publications on the species, many of which are only records and checklists. However, Saara hardwickii research is headed by India; an examination of the species' scholarly output from year 2010 indicates a rise in interest in its protection. Cross-border collaboration and multifacet research are essential for guaranteeing its existence and the health of the ecosystem.