Fourth grader names new lizard

When Dr. Aaron Bauer (a former board member of the International Society for Cryptozoology, BTW) discovered a new species of gecko in the South Pacific, he created Project Gecko, encouraging children to submit proposed names. Gemma Farquhar, a fourth grader from New Jersey, won with Bavayia periclitata. Bauer said, “Bavayia periclitata was chosen for its accurate and artistic description. Gemma was able to combine scientific language with creative intellect forming a name that depicts the importance of taking care of the animals that share our world with us." Bavayia periclitata indicates, in Latin, that the animal is "endangered." .