The Lost World - Page 3
Resultats
The research team found an astonishing variety of frogs (some species were new to Science) in Kaieteur National Park, and many lizards and snakes.
Moreover, they discovered a species of a new genus of lizards of the family Gymnophthalmidae (or spectacled lizards). Philippe dedicated this species to Guyana’s Prime Minister Mr Samuel Hinds for his help and enthusiastic support throughout the research project. This genus is very probably endemic: it doesn’t occur in other parts of the world. This also goes for six other reptile species and fourteen amphibian species discovered during former expeditions.
More than 90 species have been sighted and, most of the time, photographed and the calls of several frog species recorded. Tissues of many species are sampled for future molecular research.
Paleosuchus trigonatus, the Schneider’s dwarf caiman is the only Alligatoridae found in Kaieteur National Park, but we suspect the presence of at least one other species. © Philippe Kok
Phyllomedusa bicolor, the giant monkey frog is known to produce peptides that are used by local hunters to induce altered states that improve their hunting skills. © Philippe Kok
Anolis nitens, the red-throated anole is a terrestrial lizard. The male displays his orange-red dewlap while defending its territory and while seducing females © Philippe Kok
This is not a snake, but a marvellous imitation by a caterpillar. When disturbed, this gorgeous caterpillar inflates its front end, exposing two big spots. These ‘snake eyes’ scare predators away. © Philippe Kok
Chironius fuscus, the olive whipsnake is extremely common in Kaieteur National Park. © Philippe Kok
Hyla granosa, the rough-skinned green tree frog, is a very common species on the Kaieteur Highlands. Hundreds of males can be heard calling during the night. © Philippe Kok
Stefania evansi, the Groete Creek treefrog is a large frog endemic to Guyana. This is only the fifth female carrying eggs reported. These frogs are known to carry eggs and juveniles exposed on their back, adhering to a mucus layer. © Philippe Kok
Platemys platycephala, the common twist-necked turtle is the only turtle species collected in the park, but we suspect at least two other species to occur. © Philippe Kok
Thecadactylus rapicauda, the turnip-tailed gecko is one of the 18 lizard species collected in the park, but we suspect many more to occur. © Philippe Kok
Chironius multiventris, the long-tailed whipsnake, is a large colubrid snake feeding mainly on frogs. © Philippe Kok
A juvenile Amazonian milk frog (Phrynohyas resinifictrix). This species breeds only in tree cavities in the canopy and rarely descend to the ground. It is characterized by loud vocalization. © Philippe Kok
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Last modified :
May
07,
2007
