Enyalioides binzayedi, new species of lizard, woodlizard (3)

photo: Pablo J. Venegas

Enyalioides binzayedi, new species of lizard, woodlizard (4)

photo: Pablo J. Venegas

Enyalioides binzayedi, new species of lizard, woodlizard (5)

photo: Pablo J. Venegas

Habitat: Cordillera Azul National Park in Peru
Status: Not Evaluated

Peru has surprised scientists with a new species of woodlizard, a still poorly known group of reptiles that has been traditionally regarded as having a low species diversity. This particular species has been named Enyalioides binzayedi after the sponsor of the field survey Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE, who created the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZSCF).

The newly described species of lizard was discovered in Cordillera Azul National Park, the 3rd biggest national park in Peru protecting the largest mountain rainforest in the country. The area includes some of the least explored forests in Peru. The basins of the rivers Pisqui and Pauya in the National park are remarkable with their great diversity of reptiles and amphibians.

Males of Enyalioides binzayedi have a vivid green pattern overlaying a dark brown and black body with sharp scales cascading down their backs. It is only known from this single location in Cordillera Azul National Park.

See the full press release here.