A groundbreaking study from Temple University has unveiled 35 new species of forest lizards from the Caribbean, yet warns of their imminent extinction without urgent conservation efforts.
Published in the journal Zootaxa, the research identifies 17 new species and elevates others, showcasing a rich biodiversity previously unknown. Co-authors S. Blair Hedges and Molly Schools emphasized the need for immediate action to protect these newly discovered species.
The study reveals that over 54% of the newly identified lizards face threats of extinction, significantly higher than the global average for reptiles. Factors contributing to this crisis include habitat loss due to deforestation and predation by invasive species.
Among the new species is the James Bond Forest Lizard, named after the author Ian Fleming's estate in Jamaica. The discovery underscores the fragility of Caribbean ecosystems, which are under increasing threat from human activities.
Researchers call for ongoing monitoring and conservation initiatives to safeguard these unique species, highlighting the Caribbean's biodiversity as both unique and critically endangered.