In an exciting discovery for nature enthusiasts, Chinese researchers have uncovered a new species of gecko deep within the lush Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park. This finding shines a spotlight on the incredible biodiversity thriving in the Chinese mainland’s island province.
The dark green gecko was spotted during a field expedition in October 2024 in the Bawangling section of the national park. What sets this gecko apart are its distinct warty scales along its back and tail, smooth limbs, and the unique webbing between its toes. Adult males usually grow to about 16 centimeters in length and weigh around 9 grams, with females being slightly smaller.
After thorough phylogenetic analysis and comparisons of genetics and physical features, scientists confirmed that this gecko is entirely new to science. The details of their study have been published in the international journal Zootaxa.
“This discovery not only enhances our understanding of gecko evolution but also underscores the ecological importance of Hainan’s rainforest,” said Zhou Runbang, a local forestry official who was part of the team. “It also reflects the progress of China’s national park-based nature reserve system.”
Back in 2021, China established its first group of national parks, protecting an area of 230,000 square kilometers. These parks, including the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, are home to nearly 30 percent of the country’s key terrestrial wildlife species. The unveiling of this new gecko species highlights the success of these conservation efforts and the rich natural heritage that continues to flourish in these protected areas.
