Discovery of the Kungaka Lizard: A New Species at Risk

In a significant scientific breakthrough, researchers have identified a new species of lizard known as Liopholis mutawintji, commonly referred to as kungaka, which means "the hidden one" in the language of the Wiimpatja Aboriginal Owners. This rare lizard is endemic to Mutawintji National Park in western New South Wales, Australia, and has been monitored for over 25 years. Previously thought to be a population of White’s skink (Liopholis whitii), genetic analysis revealed that the kungaka is a distinct species, isolated from its closest relatives by approximately 500 kilometers.

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The kungaka inhabits a small, sheltered gorge within the park, surrounded by arid landscapes. Current estimates suggest that fewer than 20 individuals remain, making it one of Australia’s rarest reptiles. The species has experienced a decline in both its range and population, exacerbated by environmental pressures.

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The kungaka faces multiple threats, primarily from feral goats, which overgraze vegetation and damage the rocky habitats essential for the lizard's survival. Additionally, introduced predators such as cats and foxes pose a significant risk, while climate change has intensified drought conditions in the region. The 2017–2019 drought was particularly severe, marking the hottest and driest period on record for far western New South Wales.

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For the Wiimpatja people, the kungaka is deeply intertwined with their culture and heritage. Warlpa Thompson, a Wiimpatja Aboriginal Owner, emphasized the importance of the lizard in their connection to the land, stating, "Every animal and every plant have people attached to them." Conservation efforts are underway, focusing on controlling invasive species and potentially implementing captive breeding programs to ensure the survival of the kungaka.

The Independent

The survival of the kungaka hinges on collaborative efforts between the Wiimpatja community, ecologists, and conservation organizations. Thompson noted the necessity of culturally grounded approaches to conservation, stating, "Whatever we do needs to be done on Country, and led by Wiimpatja." The success of similar conservation initiatives, such as the recovery of the Wangarru or yellow-footed rock-wallaby population, provides hope for the kungaka's future.

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The discovery and scientific description of the kungaka is just the beginning. With its population critically low, immediate action is required to protect this unique species. Long-term monitoring, habitat restoration, and community involvement are essential to ensure that the kungaka does not vanish from the landscape it has inhabited for millennia. The commitment to preserving both the lizard and the cultural heritage it represents is vital for future generations.

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