Researchers report the discovery of a new gecko species found only on Sibuyan Island in Romblon, Philippines. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Mimaropa says the finding adds to the island’s known list of endemic wildlife and highlights Sibuyan’s status as a biodiversity hotspot, with continued emphasis on protecting remaining forests.
The species is described as Luperosaurus alvarezi, described in an international peer-reviewed journal, PeerJ. According to the reports, the study is authored by Camila G. Meneses and Rafe M. Brown. The new gecko is characterized as a fringed forest gecko, and its identification is based on the scientific work presented in the publication.
Across the coverage, the discovery is presented as an expansion of knowledge about the island’s unique fauna and as support for conservation efforts aimed at preserving habitats that host species restricted to a limited geographic area.
