Abstract
The description of Rurk’s Cat Skink Ristella rurkii is expanded herein based on recent field sightings and a voucher specimen. Three individuals comprising an adult male, an adult female, and a juvenile were encountered in Kodaikanal, Palni Hills of the southern Western Ghats. Morphological and ecological notes on the voucher specimen and these live sightings are elaborated to enrich the current knowledge on this little-known species. This species is also illustrated in life herein for the first time. The current report forms the rediscovery of this species after nearly 90 years and after a lapse of 175 years since its original description. A review of its past distribution records is compiled and further surveys are recommended to revise the geographic range and conservation status of this Data Deficient species.
Highlights
Skinks living in dense forests are hard to document due to their cryptic appearance and elusive habits
Gray (1845) again included this species in his catalogue and stated it to be from northern India
Theobald (1868) included this species in his catalogue and mentioned that it is from northern India
Summary
Skinks living in dense forests are hard to document due to their cryptic appearance and elusive habits. Ganesh & Asokan (2010) reported on a preserved specimen in the collection of the Madras Government Museum in India. Live individuals sighted were examined long enough to establish unambiguous species-identification but were not examined to the extent of the preserved specimen.
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