New lizard species discovered, named by Taiwan research institute

TAIPEI -- A research institute in Taiwan has discovered and named a new species of lizard unique to the island's mid-altitude cloud forest belt.

This newly identified reptile, one of the smallest known in Taiwan, has been named in honor of a professor and a late doctoral student from Taiwan Normal University, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the field.

The research findings have been published in the international journal Herpetologica.

According to the university's research team, Taiwan's steep mountains have served as a breeding ground for the evolution of endemic species. However, in recent years, global climate change has posed a significant threat to the survival of these species within the cloud forest belt.

The study revealed that the adult trunk of the newly discovered skink measures just 4 cm on average, with a total length, including the tail, of approximately 11 cm. This tiny lizard is primarily found in Taiwan's cloud forests, particularly at altitudes below 2,000 meters.