Scientists made the discovery deep within the Andean cloud forests of Ecuador and Peru; an area that remains under-explored. The trio of creatures new to science belong to the group commonly known as Wood Lizards. Following observations that they contained different colourations and scale design to known species, DNA tests confirmed each was a new addition to this family of reptile – the majority of which have only been identified in recent years.

It’s believed that further species of wood lizard are waiting to be uncovered, in an area that until recently was deemed too dangerous for field research to be conducted due to political instability in the region. Further details of the findings can be found in the journal, ZooKeys.