‘Dragon-like face’: New species of gecko discovered on remote QLD island
A new species of gecko has been discovered on a remote island near Mackay.
It has been named the Scawfell Island leaf-tailed gecko, and has been described as having a ‘beaky’ face, spindly legs, and a spiny tail.
James Cook University’s Dr Conrad Hoskin, who made the discovery, says unlike the geckos Queenslanders might see in their homes, the Scawfell Island leaf-tailed gecko is quite large.
“Really really long slender legs, skinny little legs … and sort of like this amazing beaky, dragon sort of face and lovely prickly skin and mottled, it looks just like the rock, it’s perfectly camouflaged there.”
He says it’s incredible to find a “large and spectacular” new species in this day and age.
“The fact that this gecko remained undiscovered to science shows that there are still areas of Australia with hidden secrets.”
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Image: Conrad Hoskin