A New (and Bright Blue!) Lizard

This colorful monitor lizard is one of more than 1,000 new species discovered recently in the world's third-largest tract of rain forest.

<i>Varanus macraei</i>, one of three new species of monitor lizard discovered in recent years in Papua New Guinea.

Photo By: Lutz Obblegonner / WWF

Varanus macraei is one of three new species of monitor lizard, and one of more than 1,000 new species discovered in Papua New Guinea in recent years, according to WWF, which has just released a report on the island's amazing natural riches.

"This report shows that New Guinea's forests and rivers are among the richest and most biodiverse in the world. But it also shows us that unchecked human demand can push even the wealthiest environments to bankruptcy," Neil Stronach, WWF Western Melanesia Program Representative, said in a news release.

New Guinea, an island divided politically by Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, has the world's third-largest tract of intact rain forest, after the Amazon and the Congo. Deforestation, conservationists warn, is a major threat to the forest and the habitat it provides.

Conservation International has previously reported on its discoveries of amazing new wildlife species in New Guinea. See more photos of newly discovered Papua New Guinea wildlife.

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