Chinese scientists have discovered new gecko species in the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, showcasing the rich biodiversity within the island’s protected areas.
The dark green gecko was discovered in October 2024 during a field survey in the Bawangling area of the park, according to the Hainan provincial forestry department.
Genetic and morphological analysis confirmed that this gecko is a previously unrecorded species, distinct from all other known geckos.
The species has unique features such as warty scales on its back and tail, smooth limbs, and webbed toes. Male geckos reach about 16 centimeters and weigh around 9 grams, while females are slightly smaller.
Findings from the research have been published in the international scientific journal Zootaxa.
Forestry official Zhou Runbang stated that the discovery not only deepens understanding of gecko evolution but also emphasizes the ecological value of Hainan’s rainforests and China’s progress in establishing a national park-based conservation system.
China designated its first set of national parks in 2021, covering 230,000 square kilometers, which shelter nearly 30% of the country’s most important land-based wildlife species.
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