Global News - May 2008
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New family of geckos 'discovered' by US scientists
Fri 23 May 2008 17:00 UK — North America,Reptiles
US researchers have reported that they have uncovered a new family of gecko.
In the past, geckos were classified on a system based on their foot structure.
Now scientists from the University of Minnesota and Pennsylvania's Villanova University have used sequenced DNA from 44 species of gecko to reconstruct the animal's family tree.
Based on the new data, the team drew up a new classification which showed a completely new family. This was named Phyllodactylidae - which refers to the leaf-shaped toes of many of the species in this group.
"A classification based solely on foot structure will track selective pressure on the feet and not represent actual evolutionary history," explained researcher Tony Gamble.
It is hoped that the new system will enable scientists to better understand the evolution of the geckos and could help protect endangered examples.
Scientists believe that geckos are important as they are currently found on nearly every continent and act as key biodiversity indicators.
At the moment, scientists have classified a total of 1,196 different species of geckos.
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November 2008
A win for greyhounds in Massachusetts
On 4 November the people of Massachusetts, USA voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Greyhound Protect Act. This legislation will phase out commercial dog racing in the state by 2010.
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International Animal Rescue has twice assisted with the treatment of cats and dogs in Morocco by a group of local and foreign volunteers. The initiative was led by vet nurse Claire Sedgewick. She has produced a report describing their work.
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Sainsbury's seal protest update
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