New lizard species found above 15,750 feet in Peru’s harsh Andes landscape
Scientists have discovered a new lizard species, Liolaemus archipensis, living at high altitudes in the Peruvian Andes. The small reptile has adapted to the harsh, barren environment through specialized camouflage and a flexible diet of vegetation and insects.
Why it matters
This discovery highlights the biodiversity of remote ecosystems and the remarkable evolutionary adaptations required for survival in extreme high-altitude environments.
High in the Peruvian Andes, where thin air, cold temperatures and barren rock make survival a daily challenge, scientists have identified a remarkably small new inhabitant. Measuring no more than eight centimetres, the newly described lizard has adapted to a landscape where even the smallest advantages can mean the difference between surviving and disappearing, states the latest report by Gulf News. The species, named Liolaemus archipensis, was discovered at more than 4,800 metres above sea level in Peru's southern Arequipa region, placing it among the reptiles living at some of the highest elevations in the country, adds the news report.A lizard built for the high AndesAccording to Gulf News, the new species belongs to the Liolaemus genus, a diverse group of lizards found across South America.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in