One of eight new reptiles and two frogs discovered in Western Australia last year
February 2012: A newly described skink species is going on display to the public in Perth, Australia.
NEW SPECIES: The Western Pilbara spiny tail skink
Picture: G. Gaikhorst
The Western Pilbara spiny-tail skink was just one discovery in what has been a busy time for WA Museum's reptile expert Dr Paul Doughty who has described eight new reptiles and two frog species in the past 12 months.
This year Dr Doughty's research has focussed on WA's Pilbara region which is one of the most diverse areas for reptiles in the world.
‘Western Australia is a great place to be a reptile and frog enthusiast, as it is incredibly diverse and we still are making exciting new discoveries like these spiny skinks and geckos every year,' said Dr Doughty.
'It's super-cute and friendly'Dr Doughty clearly has a passion for reptiles, describing the newly described Western Pilbara spiny-tail skink as ‘super-cute and friendly'.
'The Western Pilbara Spiny-Tail Skink is one of the most interesting species described this year. It has a rich red colouration to match the rocks of the Pilbara and has short-strong spines for protection from predators,' Dr Doughty said.
The description this year of the two species of spiny-tail skinks and the Pilbara barking gecko relied on new discoveries of populations from the Pilbara region, which has been the focus of floral and faunal surveys through new mining and developmental proposals and a Pilbara Biodiversity Survey by the Department of Environment and Conservation.
Genetic analyses provided by Professor Steve Donnellan of the South Australian Museum were key to revealing the new species of spiny-tail skinks.
‘Using DNA testing we are able to discover and learn so much more about Western Australia's biodiversity and gain insight into the evolution and history of our species,' Dr Doughty said.
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