New Species Karamoja Dwarf Gecko Found Pregnant in Uganda Forest Along with 4 Other New Gecko Species

In a Ugandan woodland, researchers discovered five new species of geckos, including a Karamoja dwarf gecko that was pregnant.

Pregnant Karamoja Dwarf Gecko

A "dwarf"-like creature was hidden within Uganda's forests. The expectant animal attempted to spend the night atop a tree trunk.

Scientists who were passing by noticed the animal was pregnant and found a "cryptic" new species.

According to a recently released report, researchers visited the Karamoja region of central Africa's forests multiple times in 2015.

Seven lizards were discovered by researchers in the field perched on tree trunks, according to the report. They studied the lizards more closely out of curiosity and found a brand-new species called Lygodactylus Karamoja, also known as the Karamoja dwarf gecko.

According to the study, the Karamoja dwarf gecko is "large," measuring up to roughly three inches. It is described as having a "slender" body, a "rounded" nose, and many "chevrons" on its throat.

Its back is covered in white dots and has a brown body. A lighter-colored gecko's scales feature what looks like a marbling pattern. The animal has brown eyes with a black pupil that is elongated.

The gecko's belly and groin are varied hues of yellow underneath. Its throat has a pattern of U- and V-shaped stripes.

The dwarf geckos in Karamoja were "always found on trees" and were most active during the day, according to the study, which described them as having a "cryptic nature."

At night, a pregnant gecko was discovered.

According to the study, the new species is found in wooded habitats of "mid-elevation savannahs" in the Karamoja region.

The Karamojong people live in this region, which is where the new species was given its name.

Northeastern Uganda's Karamoja region borders Kenya to the east and South Sudan to the north.

According to the study, the new species may be distinguished by its size, color pattern, scale pattern, and other "minor" morphological characteristics.

Based on the DNA analysis, the new species differed genetically from other dwarf geckos by between 6% and 16%.

Four Other New Species of Gecko

Four further new species of dwarf geckos were also found by researchers: a "large" mountain-dwelling gecko, a "leopard-like" pattern gecko, a gecko from a "unique" habitat, and a "large" forest-dwelling gecko.

Geckos in Uganda

Due to its humid equatorial climate, Uganda is home to a wide variety of reptiles, including snakes, crocodiles, lizards, tortoises, and chameleons.

The Uganda Reptile Village in Entebbe is the greatest spot to see these reptiles.

The "gecko" or lizard will likely be the reptile seen most frequently when visiting Uganda. These critters are frequently observed scuttling around in tents or rooms.

Although completely harmless, they provide a helpful service by eating mosquitoes or other insects.

The newly discovered Karamoja dwarf gecko is an arboreal species that can only be found in the savannah on the trunks or branches of trees.

Some specimens have been spotted dozing off on weak branches at night. They can be discovered close to settlements, along riverbanks, or in wide-open savannahs.