Hey there, nature lovers! 🌿 Guess what? Scientists in the Chinese mainland have discovered a brand-new gecko species in the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest! 🦎 Isn’t that exciting?
During an expedition in October 2024, researchers found this cool dark green gecko in the Bawangling section of the park. The gecko has bumpy scales like tiny warts along its back and tail, smooth legs, and even webbed toes—like little flippers! 🦎✨
After studying its genes and appearance, scientists confirmed that it’s different from any other gecko known before. Adult male geckos are about 16 centimeters long (that’s about the size of your hand!) and weigh around 9 grams—lighter than a pencil! ✏️ Females are a bit smaller.
This discovery helps us understand more about geckos and shows how amazing Hainan’s rainforest is for all kinds of wildlife. 🌳🌿 According to Zhou Runbang, a local forestry official, “It also reflects the progress of China’s national park-based nature reserve system.”
Did you know that in 2021, China started its first national parks, protecting 230,000 square kilometers of land? That’s huge! These parks, including Hainan’s rainforest, are home to nearly 30% of the country’s important wildlife species. 🐼🐵🐯
Isn’t it awesome how much there is to discover in nature? Maybe one day, you’ll find a new species too! 🌟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
