New lizard species named after Sillimanian National Scientist

A new species of the Sun Skink lizard found in the Zamboanga peninsula was named after Dr. Angel C. Alcala, National Scientist and renowned Sillimanian, in recognition of his contributions to the study and conservation of Philippine lizards, specifically of the family Scincidae.

Scientists Anthony J. Barley of the University of Hawaii; Marites B. Sanguila of Father Saturnino Urios University; and Rafe M. Brown of the University of Kansas wrote about their discovery of the Eutropis alcalai in a paper published in the Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology (PJSB), May 2021.

“We take great pleasure in naming this distinctive new species for our colleague Angel C. Alcala, in recognition of his numerous foundational contributions to the natural history, systematics, ecology, and conservation of Philippine lizards of the family Scincidae,” wrote the scientists in the published paper.

The scientists described in their paper the Eutropis alcalai, which can be found in the southwestern tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula on the western part of Mindanao.

“This species is only known from Pasonanca Natural Park near Zamboanga City at the southwestern tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula,” stated the scientists.

The scientists suggested “Alcala’s Quinque-carinate (Fivekeeled) Sun Skink” or “Alcala’s Rough-scaled Sun Skink” as the common name for the Eutropis alcalai.

Last February, the Calamaria alcalai, a new species of reed snake found in Occidental Mindoro, was also named after Alcala.

Aside from being known for his pioneering work in establishing marine protected areas in the Philippines, Alcala is also known for his extensive research on Philippine amphibians and reptiles since the mid-1950s which led to the discovery of 50 additional species out of the 400 known species in the country.

In 2014, Alcala was named National Scientist for his contributions to Philippine biological sciences, particularly on marine biodiversity, herpetology, and conservation.

Alcala was also the secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources from 1992 to 1995 after he served as the 9th SU president from 1991 to 1992.

Currently, Alcala leads the SU Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management as a professor emeritus of SU.

(Photo of the Eutropis alcalai: Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology)

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