2 New Species of Gecko Discovered
Two rare species of gecko have been discovered and identified as new species in Australia.
Scientists discovered the geckos recently during expeditions to Northwest Cape and the southern deserts of Western Australia and South Australia.
Geckos are small to medium sized lizards which are found in warm climates around the world. They are known for their ability to stick to vertical surfaces, and for their high pitched “chirping” sounds during interactions with other geckos.
The newly described species are known as the Cape Range Gecko (scientific name: Diplodactylus capensis) and the Southern Sandplain Gecko (scientific name: Lucasium bungabinna).
Cape Range Gecko
Cape Range Gecko - Male. Photo: Western Australian Museum
The Cape Range Gecko was named after Cape Range in the north-western part of Australia. It had previously been mistaken for a Pilbara species, but it is more closely related to another species - the closest of which is 600 kilometers to the south of Cape Range.
WA Museum curator of herpetology Dr Paul Doughty said ”The Cape Range is made up of an ancient block of limestone which has created a unique habitat to which the species has adapted”
The Cape Range Gecko is characterised by a distinctive broken stripe on its back, larger head and reddish coloration which matches the color of the rocks on the Cape Range.
“Little is known of this new species and we are still in the process of describing other new species of reptiles from this special area of Western Australia.” said Dr Doughty.
Southern Sandplain Gecko
Southern Sandplain Gecko - Male. Photo: Western Australian Museum
The Southern Sandplain Gecko occurs in the southern deserts in Western Australia and South Australia, north of the Nullarbor Plain.
The species has smaller toe pads than other geckos, and it has been observed climbing low shrubs.
The scientific name ‘bungabinna’ is derived from the Bungalbin Sandplain in Western Australia and the Yellabinna Sandplain in South Australia where it occurs.
The Research
The research was carried out by scientists from the Western Australian Museum and South Australian Museum. The project was funded by a grant from the Australia and Pacific Science Foundation.
Tags: australia, new species, threatened species
