The discovery of the Greater Antillean anole (Anolis landestoyi) was monumental, but the new lizard species in the Dominican Republic could already disappear before scientists get around to studying it.
Sadly, the new chameleon-like lizard is already in trouble. The problem is that Anolis landestoyi is limited to a small habitat in the western region of the Dominican Republic, and that same habitat is being exploited by illegal deforestation, reports Mongabay.
Deforestation across Hispaniola (the Dominican Republic and Haiti) is a growing concern because of the charcoal trade. Earlier this year, the Huffington Post reported on the deforestation crisis in Hispaniola: "Haiti currently has less than two percent forest cover," while the Dominican Republic's forest cover ranges between 25 and 39 percent. Even though the Dominican Republic has a slight advantage, "The risks of continued deforestation for both countries of Hispaniola are significant," reports The Huffington Post.
Time is running out for this newly discovered lizard species. Sign and share this petition urging authorities in the Dominican Republic to protect Anolis landestoyi and its habitat from deforestation.
Photo Credit: Miguel Landestoy
