The damp undergrowth of Hainan's iconic National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest yielded a scientific surprise: a new species of gecko was identified during an October 2024 expedition in the Bawangling section.
Chinese researchers used phylogenetic analysis and genetic comparisons to confirm this dark green reptile is unlike any known gecko. It is marked by warty scales along its back and tail, smooth limbs, and unique webbing between its toes. Adult males average 16 cm in length and 9 grams in weight, with females slightly more petite.
Details published in the international journal Zootaxa underscore Hainan's status as a biodiversity hotspot. "This adds a vital chapter to gecko evolution and showcases the ecological value of our rainforests," says Zhou Runbang, a local forestry official who joined the research team. He also praised the Chinese mainland's expanding national park system for enabling such discoveries.
Since 2021, China has established its first batch of national parks, covering 230,000 square kilometers of protected land and sheltering nearly 30% of the country's key terrestrial wildlife. For global citizens and eco-travelers, Hainan's lush canopy offers not just adventure but a front-row seat to conservation in action.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
