Scientists Discover Andean Lizard Above 15,750 Feet

Scientists identified a new lizard species, Liolaemus archipensis, at elevations above 4,800 meters (15,750 feet) in Peru's Arequipa region in the southern Andes. The Natural History Museum of San Marcos University announced the discovery on a Saturday. The animal measures 6 to 8 centimeters (2.4-3.2 inches). Females have square-shaped spots; males have oblique patterns and white scales. It feeds on plants and small arthropods, including spiders, beetles, true bugs and insect larvae. The species description was published in the Swiss scientific journal Diversity. Ling Huamani-Valderrama, who led the research, told AFP: "The description of a new species represents a very important advance for biodiversity in our country." Peru has 296 known lizard species. CONTESTED: No factual disputes appear in the record. Rated left coverage foregrounded Peru's already high lizard count; rated right coverage foregrounded the extreme altitude and camouflage in harsh terrain. No unresolved claims or next steps are stated.