A scientist has discovered a new species of lizard from the tropical shrubs of the remote Car Nicobar Island in the Indian Ocean. The new reptile, Coryphophylax krishnani, was discovered by researcher S.R. Chandramouli from Pondicherry University and the Kalinga Foundation. Researchers have long believed the tree-dwelling lizards on this island were exactly the same as those found on neighbouring islands. However, by conducting new field surveys and carefully comparing the physical traits and genetic data of these animals, Chandramouli proved that the Car Nicobar population is a distinct, previously unnamed species.

This newly identified lizard is relatively small, measuring about 70 millimetres in body length with a tail roughly two-and-a-half times as long, but it possesses several unique characteristics that separate it from its closest relatives. The most striking difference is found in the males, who boast a dark yellow throat pouch, known as a dewlap, decorated with distinct black spots and streaks. All other known species in this genus have plain, unpatterned throat pouches. Furthermore, the underside of the new lizard's tail, you will find enlarged, hexagon-shaped scales (subcaudals), completely unlike the small, uniform scales seen on its cousins.

The specific name, krishnani, was chosen to honour Dr Shreyas Krishnan, a researcher from the University of Texas at Arlington. In the early 2000s, Dr Krishnan initiated the first genetic studies of these island lizards, which provided early clues that the Car Nicobar population was genetically distinct. Dr Krishnan also taught Chandramouli the basics of lizard classification, making the name a fitting tribute to a scientific mentor.

While the discovery is a win for biodiversity, it also highlights an urgent need for conservation. Because Coryphophylax krishnani is confined to the tiny, 126-square-kilometre island of Car Nicobar, it has the narrowest geographic range of any lizard in its genus. Due to this highly restricted habitat, the researcher suggests that the newly discovered lizard should be officially classified as an endangered species, ensuring it is protected from future natural and human-made threats.