Hey nature lovers! A stunning new species of gecko has been discovered right in the heart of Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park. This dark green reptile, found in the Bawangling section during an expedition in October 2024, boasts unique warty scales, smooth limbs, and webbed toes that set it apart from anything seen before. 😮
Local forestry official Zhou Runbang shared, "The discovery adds to our understanding of gecko evolution and highlights the ecological significance of Hainan's rainforest." Genetic and morphological analyses have confirmed that this gecko is distinct from all previously known species, marking an exciting milestone in biodiversity research.
This breakthrough also underscores the success of China's national park-based nature reserve system established in 2021. With nearly 30% of the country's key terrestrial wildlife now under protection, such efforts are paving the way for more incredible finds in our natural world. Stay curious and keep exploring! 🌿
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
