The Scawfell Island leaf-tailed gecko (Phyllurus fimbriatus) is a recently discovered species of gecko endemic to mid-east Queensland, Australia. It was first identified in 2023 by Dr. Conrad Hoskin from James Cook University, who named it after the island where it was found.
This large species of gecko can grow up to 15 centimetres in length and is known to inhabit boulder habitats under rainforest canopies on Scawfell Island. Its unique features include a tail that looks like a leaf, which helps it blend into its environment and hide from predators. It also has a distinctive pattern of yellow and brown stripes along its back, making it easy to identify.
Dr Hoskin believes that the Scawfell Island leaf-tailed gecko may be one of the last distinct new vertebrates to be found in Australia. He said “Australia’s biodiversity is still being discovered and documented, even in areas we thought were well explored”. This discovery shows that there are still hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered in Australia’s remote locations.
The Scawfell Island leaf-tailed gecko is an incredible species that highlights the importance of conservation efforts in protecting our native wildlife. With continued research and protection, we can ensure that this unique species will remain safe for future generations to enjoy.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scawfell_Island_leaf-tailed_gecko
- https://reptilesmagazine.com/new-leaf-tailed-gecko-species-discovered-in-australia/
- https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-03/queensland-gecko
