Colorful skink among 3 new lizards found in Australia New lizard species found (Science Alert) Great Desert Skinks dig communal burrows, live in complex colonies colonies Lizard Societies - Great Desert Skink Families Build Communal Homes That Reptile Blog
Great stuff. Is it that 3 new lizards have been found, or that 3 lizards that everyone always knew existed have now been classified as separate species? From reading the article, I am inclined to believe the latter.
People living in the area almost always know about "new" species (except canopy inverts, etc) but they are called such when scientifically described. I believe one of these was well known, lived near people but only now described as new species. of course, genetic techniques will continue in this vein , but it is useful (besides for keeping taxonomists employed!), as small differences are meaningful to reintroduction, mgt programs, etc. For example, anoles in s Florida cannot survive winters in northern part of the state; genetic mixing of different populations of ibex (same species) slated for reintroduction resulted in offspring that had their own young in mid winter rather than spring, etc. But there are also plenty of unseen species out there as well! Enjoy, best, Frank
