Scientists have found a new species of lizard in Peru's Andes. Discovered more than 4,800 metres (15,750 feet) above sea level in the Arequipa region of the southern Andes, it has been named Liolaemus archipensis. The Natural History Museum of San Marcos University confirmed the discovery, and the study is published in the Swiss journal Diversity.
According to AFP, the lizard measures 6 to 8 centimetres (2.4 to 3.2 inches). Males and females are coloured differently: females have square patches on the back, males diagonal patches and white scales. The patterns help them blend into rocky ground.
It feeds mainly on plants and small arthropods, including spiders, beetles, bugs and other insects and their larvae.
Biologist Ling Huamani-Valderrama, who led the research, told AFP: "The discovery of a new species is a very important advance in our knowledge of our country's biodiversity." Peru now has 296 known lizard species, she said.
New finds are not unusual in Peru. In 2022 Conservation International reported 27 new animal species from an expedition in the Peruvian Amazon, among them an amphibious mouse with partly webbed feet. Trond Larsen, head of the group's Rapid Assessment Program, said the expedition also found 48 possible new species that need more study to confirm.
The report by Ajker Patrika's desk is based on AFP.
Photo: Kaldari / Wikimedia Commons (CC0) (a related species, Liolaemus tenuis)
Source: Ajker Patrika
Comments
(0)