A close-up of the Chong'an grass lizard at Jiufeng Mountain in Ningbo's Beilun district. [Photo/Wang Qingjun]

A rare reptile found only in China has been spotted once again in Ningbo, highlighting the city's steadily improving ecological environment.

Researchers recently discovered a Chong'an grass lizard (Takydromus sylvaticus) in Jiufeng Mountain, Beilun district. The species, considered even rarer than the giant panda in the wild, was previously recorded in Ningbo's Wulongtan Scenic Area less than a year ago.

The lizard was identified by Wang Zhiwen, a biologist from Wenzhou University who is conducting habitat research in Jiufeng Mountain. He noticed the bright green reptile while observing roadside vegetation near his laboratory. Distinguished by its vivid green body, unbroken white stripe running from its snout to its hind legs, and relatively short limbs, the Chong'an grass lizard differs noticeably from the more common local grass lizard.

First named in 1926, the Chong'an grass lizard disappeared from scientific records for decades before being rediscovered in Anhui province in 2002. This latest finding marks only the sixth confirmed wild record in Zhejiang province.

Scientists regard the species as an important indicator of ecosystem health because it is highly sensitive to water quality, vegetation, and human disturbance. Its appearance reflects the success of Ningbo's efforts to balance industrial development with ecological conservation.