‘Large’ color-changing creature found in hotel garden. It’s a new species
In the garden of a hotel in northern Madagascar, a “large” creature with “slit-like” ear openings perched on a tree. Its “copper” eyes scanned its surroundings — but it wasn’t the only one looking around.
Visiting scientists noticed the color-changing animal. They didn’t know it right away, but they’d just discovered a new species.
A team of researchers spent almost 30 years traveling around Madagascar searching for and collecting lizards. Slowly, they accumulated a “large set of samples” of one particular group of lizards known as velvet geckos, according to a study published April 9 in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa.
Most species of velvet geckos “can rather easily be identified and distinguished by their general appearance,” but some species have more “rather subtle” differences, the study said.
In hopes of sorting out these less-obvious identifications, researchers analyzed the DNA of dozens of velvet geckos from across Madagascar. A pattern began to emerge: some geckos from the north were genetically distinct from those in the south.
Researchers realized they’d discovered a new species: Blaesodactylus ganzhorni, or Ganzhorn’s velvet gecko.
Ganzhorn’s velvet geckos are considered “large,” reaching about 9.5 inches in length, the study said. They have “stout” bodies with “short” legs and clawed fingers and toes. Their “long” heads have “slit-like” ear openings and “copper” eyes with “numerous dense fine red” markings and wavy pupils.
The new species is generally grayish brown with a scattering of darker patches but changes color throughout the day, researchers said.
At night, the geckos become paler and creamy. During the day, their color darkens. Photos show this color variation.
Seen from below, the geckos have pale or bright yellow bellies, the study said.
Ganzhorn’s velvet geckos are “primarily nocturnal” and “take refuge” during the day. “When feeling threatened or disturbed,” the geckos escaped “rapidly” into tree holes, under bark or into rocky cavities, researchers said. The new species also preferred “arid” or “dry” forests.
One Ganzhorn’s velvet gecko, pregnant with two eggs, was seen on a tree trunk “with a prey in its mouth,” the study said. Others were found “on the wall of wooden cabins,” near a campsite or perched on some rocks.
A photo shared by Chabad’s Lodge on Facebook shows the hotel garden where one Ganzhorn’s velvet gecko was found.
Researchers said they named the new species after Jörg Ganzhorn “in recognition of his enormous contributions to the research and conservation of Madagascar’s biodiversity.”
So far, Ganzhorn’s velvet geckos have been found at several sites in north and western Madagascar.
The new species was identified by its DNA, coloring, scale pattern and other subtle physical features, the study said.
The research team included Miguel Vences, Aurelien Miralles, Ivan Ineich, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Christian Glasenapp, Mark Scherz, Jörn Köhler, Frank Glaw and Achille Raselimanana.
This story was originally published April 10, 2025 at 8:52 AM with the headline "‘Large’ color-changing creature found in hotel garden. It’s a new species."
