A team of Chinese researchers has unveiled a new species of gecko, Gekko kaiyai, discovered in the remote Dabie Mountains of Anhui Province in eastern China. This remarkable find adds a significant piece to the puzzle of biodiversity in the region.
The discovery was a collaborative effort among scientists from Anhui University, Nanjing Normal University, and the Chengdu Institute of Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Their findings were recently published in the journal Animals, highlighting the importance of the Dabie Mountains as a habitat for unique species.
“The identification of Gekko kaiyai underscores the rich biodiversity of the Dabie Mountains and the need for continued exploration and conservation efforts in the area,” said Dr. Li Wei, lead researcher from Anhui University.
The new gecko species was identified based on its distinct morphological features and corroborated by molecular evidence. Genetic analysis of three mitochondrial DNA fragments confirmed that Gekko kaiyai forms an independent clade, distinguishing it from other known gecko species.
The discovery not only enriches the scientific understanding of reptilian diversity in China but also emphasizes the critical role of molecular techniques in species identification. As habitats worldwide face increasing ecological pressures, such research is vital for informing conservation strategies.
The team plans to conduct further studies to assess the population size and ecological needs of Gekko kaiyai, aiming to develop measures to protect this newly identified species.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
