Post by The Australian National University

Three striking new species of rock-dwelling monitor lizards have been formally described from the savannas of north-eastern Queensland, revealing a previously unrecognised evolutionary lineage. The discovery, led by ANU researchers, identified the Rainbow Rock Monitor (Varanus iridis), the Orange-headed Rock Monitor (Varanus umbra) and the Yellow-headed Rock Monitor (Varanus phosphoros).  “These are the first rock monitors known from the eastern Australian savannas.” The team initially believed the lizards represented a single, variable species.  “We were blown away when the first genetic results came back," says Dr Stephen Zozaya, an ANU biologist who co-led the study. "These three species are more distinct from one another than many monitor species that have been recognised for decades,” “These goannas are hard to find and hard to observe. More survey work – including records from nature enthusiasts – will be important for working out just how widespread these species really are,” Dr Zozaya said.  Read more: quicklink.anu.edu.au/cp9t