#NewSpecies!
New skink from #madagascar just snuck in:

Madascincus irery

Treatment: https://treatment.plazi.org/id/7E62E052-57DD-53F0-96F0-AC92D64CC1B8
Publication: https://doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e176241
#VertebrateZoology #MadascincusIrery

#FAIRdata
#science #OA #openaccess #biology #taxonomy #ecology #biodiversity #nature #wildlife #conservation #animals #fauna #herpetology #herps #reptiles #squamata #lizards #skinks

#NewSpecies!
New skink from #china just snuck in:

Sphenomorphus lingnanensis

Treatment: https://treatment.plazi.org/id/E61DA877-B1E9-5826-B67A-E579364AEF6D
Publication: https://doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.183764
#ZoosystematicsAndEvolution #SphenomorphusLingnanensis

#FAIRdata
#science #OA #openaccess #biology #taxonomy #ecology #biodiversity #nature #wildlife #conservation #animals #fauna #herpetology #herps #reptiles #squamata #lizards #skinks

@swoop @MorpheusB and on that same article, link to :

Scientists at the University of Queensland discovered that Australian skinks have evolved genetic defences—mutations in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor—that make them immune to deadly snake neurotoxins, similar to adaptations seen in honey badgers and mongooses. This could inspire new antivenoms or therapeutic approaches to counter neurotoxic snake bites in humans.

#science #evolution #australia #snakes #skinks

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250806094116.htm

The Japanese Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon finitimus) can escape predators by dropping its tail. The regrown tail is supported by a cartilaginous rod instead of vertebrae.

#skinks #nature #wildlife #japan