The Biological Research Center of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has identified a new type of curved lizard.
The discovery of a lizard with a scientific name Cyrtodactylus papeda is a new species from Kawasi, Obi Island, North Maluku. This animal was discovered by Fata H. Faz from the Bogor Agricultural Institute in 2016 and 2018.
"Genetically and morphologically this lizard is similar to the Melanesian species, namely Cyrtodactylus papuensis. The difference is seen in its larger body size, more than one row of large thigh scales, and deep precloacal grooves in males," said Zoologoi Researcher from the Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense. in a press release.
Awal explained that the embedding of the name 'papeda' was part of an effort to promote or introduce the culinary diversity of the archipelago to the world. In this case papeda which is the name of a traditional food from Maluku and West Papua made from sago.
"This lizard can be found in mangrove swamp vegetation, pine, and secondary forest associated with shrubs. Usually active and found at night between 30 cm to 3 meters above the ground and mostly on tree trunks," said Awal.
Molecular analysis indicates that the Cyrtodactylus specimen from Obi Island belongs to the C. marmoratus group. The population of Cyrtodactylus from Obi Island is closely related to samples of C. papuensis from Buru Island, Raja Ampat and Southern Papua New Guinea.
The average length of C. papeda is 60.7 mm. The dorsum of the lizard is light brown. It has a pattern with seven or eight dark brown markings running narrow and irregularly between the armpit and groin.
The dark brown line extends from the postnasal area through the eye and continues into the upper ear canal. The dorsal side of the tail is bent, at the base has a narrow dark band, widening as the tail tapers.
"Both alive and preserved, this lizard has the same color. All areas are pale brown with gray, cream, or yellow-brown dorsum, while supercilium and canthus are golden yellow," concluded Awal.