An international team of biologists, animal care experts, geneticists and forestry managers has discovered a new species of “dragon lizard” in Laos with impressive camouflage abilities. In his article published in the magazine Zoological ResearchThe group explains how the lizards were found and what they learned from the two specimens they caught.

“Dragon lizards” have been known in parts of Laos for many years; They belong to the Agamidae family and, as the name suggests, look a bit like fictional dragons. The new species was discovered living on a limestone outcrop known as a karst area in Hammuan province.

The first was spotted late last year by a photographer from the National University of Laos who was looking for exotic birds. The guide accompanying the tourists soon noticed the second person climbing the rock. When a research team visited the area, a second lizard was eventually captured, as was another lizard. Both have been researched in detail.

Lizards have impressive camouflage skills, with black and gray patterns that blend in with the rocks they climb. Researchers note that if they are not moving, they are almost impossible to detect. Both specimens were approximately 15 centimeters long. They also had blue-gray eyes, various red and blue spots, and tough skin; This was an advantage for a creature climbing hard rocks.

They also had unique inflated tail bases. Genetic testing revealed that the lizards belong to an entirely new genus belonging to the subfamily Agamidae. The team named it Laodracon carticola and suggested the common name for the Khammouan karst dragon. Early research on lizards shows that they survive on ants.

Karst environments typically feature caves and hills as groundwater dissolves rocks and creates homes for a variety of creatures; Such habitats are known for their rich diversity.

The researchers also spoke to locals in the area who said the lizard was rare and that no one had seen it outside of the ledge where it had been officially observed.