A new scientific study from Temple University’s College of Science and Technology (CST) has revealed 35 previously unknown species of forest lizards from islands in the Caribbean, shedding light on an extraordinary but endangered diversity of life in the region. The study, published in the journal Zootaxa, not only identifies these new species but also highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect them, as many face the threat of extinction.
The research was conducted by S. Blair Hedges, the Laura H. Carnell Professor of Biodiversity and director of the Center for Biodiversity at CST, and Molly Schools, a recent Ph.D. graduate. The study, titled “A New Forest Lizard Fauna from Caribbean Islands (Squamata, Diploglossidae, Celestinae)“, identifies 17 entirely new species, elevates 17 subspecies to full species status, and reclassifies one species that had previously been regarded as a synonym. In total, the study recognizes 35 new species of forest lizards.
Hedges and Schools conducted both field and laboratory work, analyzing 958 museum specimens and using molecular methods to explore the evolutionary relationships among these species. Their work involved revisiting collections of specimens housed in museums in London, Paris, and at Harvard, some of which were over 200 years old and had not been observed in modern times. By obtaining small tissue samples from these preserved specimens, the researchers were able to extract ancient DNA, which provided critical information that had been unavailable for centuries.
“When the results came back, I was ecstatic,” Hedges said. The ancient DNA sequences allowed them to place these long-forgotten species into the tree of life, an achievement that other methods had failed to accomplish over the past 200 years. This revelation opened up new avenues for understanding the evolutionary history of these creatures.
While the discovery of new species is an exciting step in the study of Caribbean biodiversity, the findings also bring concerning news about the survival of these lizards. Using the Red List method, which assesses the conservation status of species based on their risk of extinction, Hedges and Schools found that more than half (54%) of the newly discovered forest lizard species are threatened with extinction. This is a stark contrast to the global average extinction risk for reptiles, which stands at 21%. Additionally, 14 of the newly identified species are classified as critically endangered, the highest category of threat, and three species may already be extinct.
Several factors contribute to the precarious situation of these lizards. One of the most significant threats is the rapid loss of primary forests on Caribbean islands, which are the natural habitats of these species. As these forests shrink, the lizards’ populations are increasingly squeezed into smaller areas, making them more vulnerable to extinction. The introduction of non-native predators, such as the Asian mongoose, further exacerbates the problem, as these predators prey upon the lizards, further reducing their numbers.
In addition to the environmental threats, habitat destruction from human activities such as deforestation and urbanization also poses a significant risk to the lizards. These activities disrupt the delicate ecosystems of the Caribbean islands, threatening not only the forest lizards but also many other species that share their habitats.
Among the newly discovered species is a forest lizard found near Goldeneye, Jamaica, which is famous as the former estate of Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond novels. This particular lizard was fittingly named the James Bond Forest Lizard in honor of the location’s connection to Fleming, who named his fictional character after a real-life ornithologist and author, James Bond, whose book Birds of the West Indies was on Fleming’s bookshelf. This discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the region and the ongoing need for research to understand the full extent of the Caribbean’s ecological wealth.
Despite the grim conservation outlook, the study provides a framework for future research and emphasizes the importance of protecting these species. The researchers hope that their findings will inspire further studies on the ecology, evolution, and geography of the Caribbean’s unique lizard populations. “This work will also provide future researchers with a systematic framework to explore ecological, evolutionary, and biogeographic questions concerning Caribbean celestine species,” Hedges and Schools wrote in the research article.
The study also underscores the need for immediate action to preserve the habitats of these forest lizards. “All species should be monitored for threats to their survival, including those that are now deemed Least Concern,” the researchers stressed. “This work provides further evidence that the fauna of the Caribbean islands is unique, fragile, and understudied and remains threatened by continued disturbance of habitats, including deforestation and predation from introduced mammals.”
In light of these findings, conservationists are calling for increased efforts to protect the remaining primary forests of the Caribbean islands. This includes the establishment of protected areas, the restoration of degraded habitats, and the control or eradication of invasive species that threaten native wildlife. By addressing these challenges, it may be possible to preserve the remarkable diversity of life in the Caribbean, including the newly discovered forest lizards, and ensure that these species are not lost forever.
The study also serves as a reminder of the urgent need for global conservation efforts, particularly in biodiversity hotspots like the Caribbean, which harbor a wealth of species that are found nowhere else in the world. As the pressures of climate change, habitat loss, and invasive species continue to mount, it is essential that scientists, conservationists, and policymakers work together to safeguard the planet’s biodiversity for future generations. The discovery of these 35 new species of forest lizards offers hope for the continued exploration and protection of the world’s natural heritage, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life on Earth.
Source: Temple University