We've updated our Privacy and Cookies Policy
We've made some important changes to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and we want you to know what this means for you and your data.
Wildlife: New 'beaky' gecko discovered
Image source, Dr Conrad Hoskin
Scientists have been left flabbergasted after discovering a new species of gecko on an island off the coast of Australia.
The reptile, which scientists say has "a leaf shaped tail and a beaky head" was found hiding under boulders where its skin camouflages it from predators.
Scientists were there during a routine wildlife survey of Scawfell Island which has no humans living on it.
Dr Conrad Hoskin, who found the gecko, says it was an "incredible" discovery.
Image source, Dr Conrad Hoskin
The gecko has been called the Scawfell Island leaf-tailed gecko because of the distinctive shape of its tail.
Although some species are still being discovered each year, researchers were surprised to find such a large animal scientists had never seen before.
"The fact that this gecko remained undiscovered to science shows that there are still areas of Australia with hidden secrets," Dr Hoskin says.
It was found on one of many islands near the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia.
Image source, Marcos del Mazo/ Getty
How many geckos live there?
Scientists who've discovered the Scawfell Island leaf-tailed gecko aren't sure how many there are just yet.
They say there are at least 30 of them on the island but need to do more work to see if there are any more.
It could mean that despite them only just being discovered, they could already be endangered species.