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Researchers from the University of Kansas in the United States have identified a new species of forest gecko on Sibuyan Island in Romblon Province, Philippines. The species, named Luperosaurus alvarezi, belongs to a group of reptiles commonly known as fringed forest geckos. In a study published in the scientific journal PeerJ, researchers Camila G. Meneses and Rafe M. Brown described the gecko using physical characteristics and genetic evidence. The discovery adds another species to the Philippines’ remarkable biodiversity and highlights the importance of its isolated island ecosystems.

The researchers examined two geckos, one male and one female, collected near the Gaong River in Mount Guiting-Guiting Natural Park. They compared the specimens with other known forest geckos from different Philippine islands. The newly identified species has several distinguishing features, including bright yellow scales around its eyes, light gray irises, webbed toes, and skin flaps along its limbs. Although it resembles related geckos found on Luzon, Panay, Negros, and other islands, differences in its body structure and scale patterns helped researchers recognize it as a separate species.

To confirm their findings, the scientists also examined DNA from the geckos and compared it with genetic information from related species. Their analysis revealed substantial genetic differences, supporting the conclusion that Luperosaurus alvarezi represents a distinct evolutionary lineage. Sibuyan Island is separated from neighboring islands by deep ocean waters, which have limited the movement of land animals between islands. This geographic isolation may have allowed the gecko’s ancestors to evolve independently over a long period. The species was named in honor of the late James Alvarez, a wildlife researcher recognized for his contributions to studying Philippine bats and biodiversity.

The discovery also raises important conservation concerns. So far, the newly described gecko is known scientifically from only two collected specimens, both found in forest habitat near the Gaong River. This does not necessarily mean that only two individuals exist, but its full distribution and population size remain unknown. The researchers emphasized that protecting the remaining forests of Sibuyan Island and the surrounding Romblon Island Group is important for preserving rare and potentially undiscovered wildlife. Their findings demonstrate how scientific exploration of isolated tropical forests can reveal previously unrecognized species and improve our understanding of biodiversity and evolution in the Philippines.

Reference

Meneses, C. G., & Brown, R. M. (2026). A new species of fringed forest gecko, genus Luperosaurus (Squamata: Gekkonidae), from Sibuyan Island, Central Philippines. PeerJ, 14, e20504. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20504

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