Million-year-old Lizard Species Discovered on Remote Pacific Island

Exciting news! A new species of lizard was discovered on the remote Mussau Island in the Pacific Ocean. Because they are isolated, islands are conducive to speciation, which leads to fascinating organisms–like this lizard–and high biodiversity.

Described as a ‘biological oddity’, researchers from the University of Turku in Finland say the lizard, named Varanus semotus, is the biggest land-living predator on the island. The lizard can grow to over a metre in length and they have a black body with clustered groups of dispersed yellow/orange markings.

Because species on islands are reproductively isolated, the speciation (the evolution of distinct species) rate is higher than for organisms on mainlands. Researchers note that Mussau and nearby islands have high biodiversity and are full of unique creatures because of their isolation.

The newly discovered species may need protection from invasive cane toads and habitat destruction.

Read the original article here.
Feature photo by Valter Weijola

Back Next

Want to learn more?

Check out other journal entries we think you might be interested in.

What is Climate Week?

Climate Week NYC: what is it and why is it important? Read on to find out why Island Conservation is attending this amazing event!

Rare Joins the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge

Rare will support the effort to restore island-ocean ecosystems by engaging the Coastal 500 network of local leaders in safeguarding biodiversity (Arlington, VA, USA) Today, international conservation organization Rare announced it has joined the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC), a global effort to…

Video Footage Highlights Lehua Island Restoration Project

Video captures insights and hopes from the partners who are working to restore Lehua Island, Hawai’i. In 2021, Lehua Island officially became free from the threat of invasive rodents. This is a huge accomplishment that has enriched the region’s biodiversity…

Tequila Sunrise? Or Floreana Sunrise?

Carolina Torres describes how the project to restore and rewild Floreana Island signals hope for a future where people and nature can thrive together in the Galápagos.