Genetic studies by the WA Museum and
University of Adelaide have uncovered
new diversity in the range of native gecko
species.
Image: iStockphoto

WA Museum and University of Adelaide scientists have recorded a genetic treasure trove of new lizard species, most of them from WA.

Adelaide PhD student Paul Oliver, of the school of earth and environmental sciences, has completed a detailed genetic study of the Australian gecko genus Diplodactylus, along with colleagues from the South Australian and WA museums.

They found that the lizard family, once thought to be a single widespread species, consists of about eight different species. The study identified more than twice the recognised number of gecko species, from 13 species to 29.

Many of the species, externally, were similar - leading to what the team says is an underestimation of species diversity. This could be important in the future conservation of our native reptiles.

For example, what was once thought to be a single fairly widespread species of gecko has turned out to be eight or nine separate species with much narrower, more restricted habitats and possibly much more vulnerable to environmental change.

The research was supported by grants from the Australia Pacific Science Foundation and the Australian Biological Resources Study.

Results of the study are published online in Proceedings of the Royal Society.

The WA Museum also has announced the discovery of two new species of frog species in the Kimberley region.

The first is called the Tiny Toadlet (Uperoleia micra), which is a 2cm-long inhabitant of the Prince Regent River and described as extremely shy. Toadlets are not true toads.

The second species, the Kimberley Froglet (Crinia fimbriata), was found on the Mitchell Plateau. About 2cm long, it has a blue and red background colour and covered with tiny white dots similar to those seen in Aboriginal paintings.

WA Museum herpetologist, who was involved in the lizard study, said many of the frog species in the Kimberley had evolved in isolation for millions of years.

Scientists expect to find more species, he said.

More information is available here.