Discovered 24 new species of lizard in the Caribbean

US scientists have announced the discovery of 24 new species of lizards in the Caribbean islands, but about half of these species are currently in danger of extinction.

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Biology Professor Blair Hedges, research leader (Penn State University, USA) and colleague Caitlin Conn (University of Georgia, USA), said that after collecting samples and DNA testing, 24 new species were identified. 'family' short-legged lizard .

Lizard ball short leg Anguilla Bank - one of 24
New species discovered - (Photo: Karl Questel / Live Science)

Their common characteristics are small, smooth scales, thick body width, strong neck movement and short legs.

Scientists say an average of 130 new lizards are discovered every year in the world. However, since 1800 until now, the figure has plummeted with only about 20 species. This suggests that finding the above 24 new arteries in the Caribbean is important and rare in the present time.

According to scientists, the civet (mongoose, Urva auropunctata) was introduced into Caribbean islands from India in 1872 to destroy rats that destroyed sugarcane fields. However, this is the culprit who 'slaughtered' most of the reptiles here for a long time (but not to the attention of conservationists), in which the lizard ball is short-legged. must share the same ' fate ' and are on the verge of extinction.

Short-legged lizards also have different reproductive behaviors than other lizards. It is a pregnant child (not a spawn), having a placenta that nourishes the fetus and then gives birth. Breeding takes place within a year and during this time, pregnant children are very vulnerable to predators.