New 'red-eyed' lizard discovered in Peru

^{_{Source: SERNANP, Peru}}

A new species of lizard has been discovered in Manu National Park in Peru, according to Peruvian news website RPP.com.pe on Wednesday.

 

Potamites erythrocularis differs from others of its genus by having irregular keeled scales on its back and undivided frontonasal scales, according to the report. Females of the species lack femoral pores, while males sport a distinctive red ring around their eyes.

 

The lizard was found living in the upper forests of the Kosñipata Valley, at an elevation of between 1km-2.1km. It actively hunts invertebrates throughout the day and night during the wet season, in the months of November to April, but is less active at nighttime during the dry months of May to October.

 

The discovery was made during one of a series of scientific expeditions conducted in the park since 2009 by scientists Alessandro Catenazzi and German Chavez, in cooperation with the park's resident biologists and rangers.

 

German Chavez posted photos of P. erythrocularis on his Facebook page.

Manu National Park is the largest national park in Peru, covering an area of over 15,000km and is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. — GMA News