Scientists have discovered a new species of lizard in southeastern Peru, the nation’s natural areas conservation authorities said on Monday.
The new species, named “Proctoporus titans”, was found in Otishi National Park’s high Andean region of Cusco, between 3,241 to 3,269 meters above sea level, an area accessible only by helicopter.
The lizard belongs to the genus “Proctoporus” of the “Gymnophthalmidae” family, which is characterized by a tail that is longer than the body and is found in the greatest diversity in the Andean foothills, the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State said in a press release.
The discovery was made as a result of a research project titled “Diversity of species and state of conservation of amphibians and reptiles at Otishi National Park,” which straddles the Peruvian regions of Cusco and Junin.