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
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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An uncommonly cool critter
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The Children’s Cultural Festival in Reykjavik begins today
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Ponta da Piedade rock formations in Portugal
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An uncommon look at an American icon
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Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy
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Oh, happy day!
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The Great Blue Hole, Belize
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Happy St. Patricks Day!
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Invisible no longer
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Daintree Rainforest and Noah Beach, Queensland, Australia
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Looking down on the Otter
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Where the wildflowers grow
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Southern gemsbok in the savannah, Botswana
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Groundhog Day
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Spine-cheeked anemonefish in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea
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A cliffside harbor in Sardinia
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Wedded Rocks, Japan
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All eyes on sustainability
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Autumn in the Prosecco Hills
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World Migratory Bird Day
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Last day of National Park Week
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Hang Sơn Đoòng Cave, Vietnam
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Atrani, Amalfi Coast, Italy
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‘Fringe’ takes center stage as Edinburgh celebrates the arts
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Happy Easter!
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Sleep tight, little hedgehog
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Quebec City for Winter Carnival
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Red-necked grebes during breeding season
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La Rocque Harbour, Island of Jersey
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Bohemian waxwings in Canada
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

