The study, Status and distribution of reptiless in the Western Ghats, India - Conservation assessment and management plan, by C Srinivasulu, B Srinivasulu and S Molur, stresses the need for conservation efforts, both species and area-specific.

The reasons for endangerment include encroachment because of expansion of agriculture and aquaculture, destruction of habitat for residential and commercial development, use of bioresources and energy products and mining. Of the 227 reptiles assessed during the project, 107 were endemic to the Western Ghats, 50 to South India and 157 species to both Western Ghats %and south India.

In the Western Ghats, 18 species are threatened and eight are in the near-threatened category. There is not enough data on 38 species. Jeypore Ground Gecko (Geckoella jeyporensis) and the Legless Skink (Barkudia insularis), both endemic to the Eastern Ghats, are critically endangered.

"There is still not enough information on reptiles of Western Ghats and peninsular India. This is a huge impediment when it comes to conservation efforts," the report published by Red List says. Though a large number of species has been accorded protection, superstition, man-animal conflict, and poaching for skin and medicine% take a toll.