(fixes typo in slug)
Scientists have confirmed the discovery of a new species of lizard in western Australia, media reports said Monday.
The lizard, Diporiphora ameliae, also known as Amelia's canegrass dragon, was found at a cattle ranch in Longreach, in the western state of Queensland, by a research team led by biologist Angus Emmott.
Australia's arid areas have the largest reptile diversity in the world, Emmott told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
"In Australia, there are about 1,000 species of reptiles" and between 20 and 50 new ones are discovered every year, Emmott said.
The scientist said he named the lizard after his daughter, Amelia, who just turned 21. EFE