A team of scientists from Conicet and the National University of Patagonia described for the first time a new species of gecko in the Argentine Andes. The reptile, with a dark gray color and a reticulated pattern that camouflages it among stones and dry bushes, was named Homonota chelemini, in homage to Chief Juan Chelemín, an indigenous leader of the Diaguita District in the 17th century.
The discovery, published in the journal Zoologica Scripta, confirms that this small reptile constitutes an independent and unique lineage in South America, providing new clues about the evolution of geckos in arid environments at high altitudes.
An extreme environment
The gecko inhabits mountains in Catamarca and La Rioja, between 3,000 and 3,250 meters above sea level, an extreme range for the Homonota genus and for many lizards. Its smooth scales and reticulated dorsal pattern distinguish it from nearby species, although at first glance it is difficult to differentiate, reflecting its evolutionary camouflage ability.
The Diaguita District, where it was found, is considered a “hotspot” of biodiversity and endemism in the Southern Cone, but it remains critically understudied.
Historical significance
The name chelemini honors Chief Juan Chelemín, known as the “Tiger of the Andes,” who led the indigenous resistance against colonial dispossession in the 17th century. The researchers wanted to pay tribute to his courage and the memory of the indigenous peoples who defended their territory.
Current threats
Despite being a new species for science, the gecko faces multiple risks:
- Climate change: high-altitude species have nowhere to move when temperatures rise.
- Reduced rainfall: recorded in the region since the late 1980s.
- Mining pressure: six active projects within a 50 km radius, two of them lithium, with no protected areas in the region.
“High-altitude species are especially vulnerable because they literally have nowhere to go,” warned biologist Mariana Morando.
Scientific importance
The finding has two key dimensions:
- Conservation: describing a species is the first legal and scientific step to protect it. Without a name, no policy is possible.
- Evolution: the updated phylogeny of the Homonota genus allows understanding how Andean geological processes and Pleistocene climate changes shaped the diversification of reptiles in South America.
Each new lineage described adds a piece to the biodiversity puzzle and helps anticipate management strategies in the face of current threats.
The discovery of Homonota chelemini reveals that hidden species still exist in the extreme landscapes of the Andes. Its identification not only enriches scientific knowledge but also underscores the urgency of protecting vulnerable ecosystems in the face of mining and climate change.
The gecko bearing the name of a historic indigenous leader now faces its own battle for survival, reminding us that biodiversity and cultural memory are intimately linked.
