World's Smallest Lizard, found in Western Australia
World's Smallest Lizard, found in Western Australia - With a maximum length of 23 cm and weighing 16 grams, the world's smallest lizard species found in the Kimberley region, Western Australia. This animal has the Latin name 'Varanus sparnus'. Lizard origin Dampier Peninsula, the shape does not change for more than 6 million years.
Scientists describe this as a miracle of evolution.
Scientists describe this as a miracle of evolution.
"From genetic information, we estimate that this species diverged during the same period with the deviation from the human chimpanzees," said Dr. Paul Doughty of the Western Australian Museum.
With a large variation in body size, lizard family also includes komodo and lizards of different species.
"The weight of the largest lizard greatest Dampier Peninsula is 16 grams, with a length of about 23 centimeters, while komodo have at least about 80 pounds heavier, and more than three meters long," said Dr. Paul.
He added, "So all animals are included in the same group, but the scale is different."
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Believed to live exclusively in the northern city of Broome and Derby, the smallest lizard was discovered by environmental consultant who is conducting a survey in the area.
These findings add to the wealth of diverse Australian reptiles.
"We just add reptile species 1000th in Australia, which ranks 10th on the list of the diversity of wildlife in the world," said Dr. Paul.
One lizard found, and was named 'Pokey', living in captivity, in the Western Australian Museum.
The other three, who are already dead, preserved in a jar for the purpose of classification and recording.
These findings add to the wealth of diverse Australian reptiles.
"We just add reptile species 1000th in Australia, which ranks 10th on the list of the diversity of wildlife in the world," said Dr. Paul.
One lizard found, and was named 'Pokey', living in captivity, in the Western Australian Museum.
The other three, who are already dead, preserved in a jar for the purpose of classification and recording.
