‘Unusual’ creature with ‘reddish’ eyes found at cave in Thailand. It’s a new species
As night fell across eastern Thailand, a banded creature emerged from its hiding spot and used its “long” limbs to climb up a cave wall. Its “reddish brown” eyes scanned the surroundings, but it wasn’t the only one looking.
Visiting scientists noticed the “unusual” animal — and discovered a new species.
Researchers hiked into the rocky forests of Sa Kaeo Province in 2024 as part of an ongoing project to survey the area’s reptiles, according to a study published Feb. 14 in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa.
During their searches, the team found several unfamiliar-looking lizards in and around a cave, the study said.
Intrigued, researchers took a closer look at the animals and quickly realized they’d discovered a new species: Gehyra shiva, or the Shiva four-clawed gecko.
Shiva four-clawed geckos have “robust” bodies, reaching about 4.5 inches in length, the study said. Their heads are “long” with “relatively” large, “reddish brown” eyes and a “moderate” snout. Their limbs are “long” and “stout” with “short,” clawed fingers and toes.
Photos show the “unusual, banded pattern” of the new species. Overall, the geckos have pale brown bodies with several darker brown bands and lighter white blotches. The pattern’s intensity varies by gecko and is more noticeable in some.
Shiva four-clawed geckos are nocturnal, living in and around limestone rock caves “surrounded by cultivated lands,” the study said. Much about their diet and lifestyle remains unknown.
Researchers said they named the new species after Shiva, the Hindu “god of destruction,” because it was first discovered in a cave dedicated to this deity. The cave, Tham Phra Siwa, also has a temple in front of it.
So far, Shiva four-clawed geckos have been found at two sites in Sa Kaeo Province along the Thailand-Cambodia border, the study said. Researchers expect the new species “will probably soon be found” in Cambodia and other nearby locations.
The new species was identified by its coloring, scale pattern, body proportions and other subtle physical features, the study said. Researchers did not provide a DNA analysis of the new species.
The research team included Worawitoo Meesook, Nattasuda Donbundit, Tanasak Jindamad, Nittaya Topai, Kirati Kunya, Winai Suthanthangjai, Maneerat Suthanthangjai, Natthaphat Chotjuckdikul, Teeraphat Chonkamnord, Montri Sumontha and Olivier Pauwels.
Some of the team also helped discover a second new species of gecko from Sa Kaeo Province.
This story was originally published February 19, 2025 at 9:16 AM with the headline "‘Unusual’ creature with ‘reddish’ eyes found at cave in Thailand. It’s a new species."
