New Species of Lizard Discovered in Peru

AFP-Jiji

16:30 JST, January 26, 2023

LIMA (AFP-Jiji) — Scientists have discovered a new species of lizard in a protected natural area in Cusco, southeastern Peru, national park officials said Jan. 16.

“Otishi National Park reveals a new species of lizard to science,” the National Service of State-Protected Natural Areas said in a statement.

The new species, named “Proctoporus titans,” was found high in the Andes mountains at an altitude of 3,241 meters.

The lizard is dark gray with yellow and gold flecks on its sides and head. It has a tail that is longer than its body, and grooved dorsal scales and prefrontal scales.

The Otishi National Park is a protected area in the Cusco and Junin region, covering almost 306,000 hectares of mountainous forests.