Sydney: Scientists in Australia have formally identified a new, critically endangered lizard species found only in Mutawintji National Park in the state of New South Wales.
Known to Wiimpatja Aboriginal Owners as Kungaka -- "the hidden one" -- the lizard has been scientifically described as a new species Liopholis mutawintji, according to a statement released Tuesday by the Australian Museum.
With fewer than 20 individuals of the species known to exist, the lizard is also now one of Australia's most threatened reptiles.
The species was previously considered an isolated population of the widespread White's Skink (Liopholis whitii). Genetic analysis and examination of variation across its wide distribution have now confirmed it is one of three distinct species and the only one restricted to Mutawintji.
It is around 500 km from its closest relatives, surviving in a tiny pocket of humid, rocky habitat surrounded by hot saltbush and gibber plains, the statement said.
The scientific description of the Kungaka is just the first step, said Australian Museum researcher Tom Parkin, lead author of the study published in Zootaxa.
"The Kungaka represents an ancient lineage that likely originated earlier when the environment was quite different. Today, it survives in a tiny, isolated pocket of sheltered gorge in Mutawintji. Through this research, we not only better understand a species, but also the history behind the surrounding environment," Parkin said.
Scientists warn that feral goats have been identified as a key threat to the skinks' survival because they degrade the local habitat through overgrazing and trampling, reducing food availability and shelter, exposing lizards to predators and extreme temperatures.
