The curious case of the Ecuadorian horned anole has fascinated herpetologists, making it an excellent mascot for World Lizard Day. Its story starts in 1953, when a single male specimen of the species was discovered near the Ecuadorian town of Mindo. Over the next 13 years, only a handful of additional Ecuadorian horned anoles were found, all males, and each sporting the same long snout that earned its species the nickname ‘Pinocchio lizard.’ So rare and secretive is this anole, that for the next four decades no more individuals were found, and scientists feared the Pinocchio lizard had gone extinct. It wasn’t spotted again until 2004, when researchers glimpsed a female for the first time. She didn’t have a long snout, leading scientists to believe the male’s sword-like appendage is primarily used in courtship (insert your own joke here).
Lizard of mystery
Today in History
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Great Backyard Bird Count
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It s Bermuda s big day
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On the hunt
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Seattle Central Library, Seattle, Washington
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Mediterranean red sea stars
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Here’s why landmarks are going dark
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A palace for the public
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International Lighthouse Weekend
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Saffron in bloom
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Frozen beauty
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An uncommonly cool critter
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Kjell Henriksen Observatory
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To Roswell, and beyond!
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National Take a Hike Day
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Nature Photography Day
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A most sincere pumpkin patch
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Happy World Laughter Day
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Saint Dwynwen s Day
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Happy Boxing Day!
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When Death Valley blew its top
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Happy trees = Clean air
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Big wheels on a big mountain
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Ronda, Spain
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Wildebeests in Maasai Mara, Kenya
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Bathing boxes at Brighton Beach, Australia
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World Otter Day
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In Apia Harbor for Samoan Independence Day
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With leaves this tasty, who cares about a view?
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Super sandy Sweet 16
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Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah