On January 22, Mexican scientists announced the discovery of a completely new lizard species in the state of Chiapas in the south. Measuring about the length of a hand, this tree-dwelling reptile has been named Coapilla Dragon.
At a press conference announcing the discovery, biologist Roberto Luna Reyes from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) stated that the lizard, scientifically named Abronia cunemica, is endemic to Mexico, harmless, non-venomous, and distributed in the mountainous region of northern Chiapas.
The newly discovered lizard species in Mexico.
Currently, scientists have only identified 5 individuals of this species in the local area.
Paleobiologist Adam Clause at the San Diego Natural History Museum in California (USA) noted that based on three characteristics regarding biogeography, morphology, and molecular data, this is a completely new lizard species that is at risk of extinction.
The Coapilla Dragon possesses several unusual features compared to other lizard species, such as protruding ear lobes, a light yellow face and head, and a back with dark brown horizontal stripes.
This creature weighs about 20 grams, measures 15 cm in length, and typically resides in the upper canopy, capable of climbing up to 20 meters and jumping from tree to tree within a range of approximately 10 meters.
Experts from the Chiapas Department of Environment and Natural History emphasized the need for comprehensive studies on the origins of this new lizard species, as well as the implementation of measures to protect the habitats of endangered animals.
Previously, in 2022, Mexican scientists reported the discovery of 6 completely new species of frogs, each only the size of a fingernail, in the dense forests of the country.
