General
Killer bacteria could wipe out Christmas Island’s blue-tailed skink, Lister’s gecko unless cure found
New research shows Christmas Island reptiles are facing extinction from a deadly microscopic killer.
Key points:
- New research shows a deadly bacteria is killing the Lister’s gecko and blue-tailed skink, both native to Christmas Island
- Two other Christmas Island species have been declared extinct this month
- Experts say Christmas Island species are particularly vulnerable to extinction
According to a study by the University of Sydney, a bacterium is threatening captive populations of the Lister’s gecko and the blue-tailed skink, which have already died out in the wild.
Scientists described Enterococcus lacertideformus as a “silent killer” with no cure.
Co-lead researcher Jessica Agius said the microorganism grew inside animals’ heads before…
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