Investigadores redescubren en Perú una lagartija no observada desde 1876

TL;DR

Anolis laevis, a lizard species not observed since 1876, has been rediscovered in Peru.
The species, also known as anolis espadachín, is characterized by a small rostral appendix in males, a rare trait among Anolis lizards.
This rostral appendix represents a notable case of convergent evolution.
The study documented unique morphological features, including a distinctive dorsal crest and differences in gular fold coloration between sexes.
The rediscovery occurred in the montane forests of the San Martín department in northeastern Peru.
The species' restricted distribution and habitat loss have led to a proposal to classify it as 'Endangered' according to IUCN criteria.
The Anolis genus is highly diverse, with over 400 species, but the systematics of South American anoles remain incomplete.
Anolis laevis, like several other species, was previously known from only one or very few specimens.

Continuer la lecture de l'article original