Scientists in the region have announced the discovery of two new lizard species in the historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu and a nearby area.
Scientists have discovered two new lizard species in the historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu. (Photo: DW)
The National Agency for the Management of Natural Areas Requiring State Conservation of Peru (Senarp) reported that both lizard species belong to the genus Proctoporus, a group of lizards distributed in Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru, which are currently threatened with extinction due to human activities and climate change.
- The first species, “Proctoporus katerynae,” was discovered in the buffer zone of the Machiguenga Community Conservation Area and is named in honor of biologist Kateryn Pino Bolaños.
- The second species, “Proctoporus optimus,” was found in the historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu, home to the famous Inca citadel, and is named after the character “Optimus Prime” from the science fiction film Transformers, which was filmed in this natural area.
The discovery of these two new lizard species is the result of researchers from Señor de Sipán University in Peru; the University of Concepción in Chile; the Museum of Natural History at the National University of San Antonio Abad in Cusco (Peru); the Museum of Biodiversity in Peru; Florida International University (USA); and forest rangers from the Machu Picchu area.
