Chinese researchers have discovered a new gecko species in the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest, underlining the rich biodiversity of the island province’s protected ecosystems.
The dark green gecko was found during a field expedition in October 2024 in the Bawangling section of the national park, the Hainan provincial forestry department said yesterday.
Subsequent phylogenetic analysis, along with genetic and morphological comparisons, confirmed that it is distinct from all previously known gecko species, the department noted.
The newly-identified gecko is characterised by warty scales along its back and tail, smooth limbs, and webbing between its toes. — Xinhua
