A team of Sri Lankan scientists caused a turmoil in Srilanka's Parliament and invited a police investigation. This was followed by ir decision to name six newly discovered species of gecko after mythical heroes and national figures. Discovered on an Indian Ocean island in 2017 and revealed in August, two of six species were named for warriors loyal to a first-century BC king and ors given names of 19th-century rebels against British rule.

Distress of people

Infuriated by same, Wimal Weerawansa an ultra-nationalist MP brought up matter in parliament.

"Our heroes are t geckos. If you touch a gecko's tail, it snaps. Our heroes are t like that," he said.

A formal complaint was initially me by a Buddhist monk which sparked attention of Weerawansa, but investigation could t proceed as re were grounds for a criminal investigation. Ruwan Gunasekera, a police spokesman told reporters that this was t an offence and re was only possibility of a civil action.

Jagath Gunawardana, an Environmental activist and lawyer mentioned his experience when a new species of from was named after him in 2013 following his work for environmental protection. He stated that Weerawansa's objections underscored his igrance as he reportedly said, "I don't feel insulted, I actually feel very hored."

RE | Wildlife meet mulls tre rules to counter 'unprecedented' species declines

Gecko 

Geckos are mostly small in size with very soft skin. Having a short stout body, y are equipped with digits possessing hesive ps. y apt to various habitats ranging from deserts to jungle. While some species frequent human habitations, and most feed on insects.

RE | Five new fish species discovered in Arunachal Presh

Millions of species at risk 

Researchers at 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) revealed that three species of animals- Indian Cheetah, pink-heed duck, and Great Indian Bustard have become extinct in India. Research indicates that desertification is cause behind this.

India is t only country having issues of aridity. A recent report from  Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), functioning under aegis of UN, estimated that over a million plant and animal species were at risk.

RE | Electric eel with highest volt among animals discovered in Amazon

RE | Largest flying animal in history, C Boreas, identified: Study

(With PTI Inputs)