RE: https://mastodon.green/@plazi_species/116260383338896477

#Endemic #species are always interesting from different perspectives, e.g. from an #evolutionary and #ecological point of view. This also applies to #skinks of the genus
#Madascincus, being with several known species endemic to #Madagascar.
A. Miralles et al. (2026) described based on #multilocus #phylogenetics and #morphology two #newspecies:
M. #irery and M.
#minotaurus, with restricted distributions to limited areas of Madagascar only.
© this text #StefanFWirth

Have you ever seen a cuter critter? Meet the red-eyed crocodile skink. Growing ~10 in (25 cm) long, it can be found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea. Like a crocodile, this reptile has armored skin to protect it from foes. Its diet includes insects like flies & mealworms.
@AMNH #globalmuseum #skinks #PapuaNewGuinea
i accidentally rudely interrupted at least that's what it felt like 😆 #skinks #inflagranti

@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

Scientists found the gene that makes Aussie skinks immune to deadly snake venom

Australian skinks have developed a remarkable genetic defense against venomous snake bites by mutating a key muscle receptor, making them resistant to neurotoxins. These tiny but powerful molecular changes mirror those found in cobra-resistant mammals like mongooses and honey badgers. This evolutionary arms race not only shows how adaptable life can be but also offers exciting possibilities for creating new antivenoms and therapies in human medicine.

ScienceDaily
Indigenous knowledge is key to saving the great desert skink and other species

There is growing momentum in Australia's conservation planning to incorporate First Nations knowledge into the management of culturally significant species such as the great desert skink. 

ABC News