4th Grade Student Names New Species of Gecko

  
    
  
  
    
      After its discovery by Dr. Aaron Bauer on the South Pacific island of 
      New Caledonia, a new gecko species remained nameless, until now. New 
      Jersey fourth grader, Gemma Farquhar has given the once nameless species 
      of gecko an identity. As the grand prize winner of the nationwide 
      contest, Project Gecko presented by Zilla, Farquhar’s 
      name Bavayia periclitata will be given to the new species.
    
    
      “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,” 
      said Dr. Aaron Bauer, Villanova professor of biology.
    
    
      In her contest submission, Farquhar, a student at Oaklyn Elementary 
      School in Oaklyn, NJ, dared to be different and strayed away from using 
      typical Latin names that describe the gecko’s 
      habitat or physical features. Bavayia periclitata means “endangered” 
      in Latin. Farquhar says she chose this name to help emphasize the 
      importance of taking care of geckos, other endangered species as well as 
      our environment in general.
    
    
      “I chose this name because it means endangered 
      and it will make people think about how our geckos are disappearing and 
      are on the endangered list. I hope people will try harder to protect our 
      geckos,” said Farquhar. “Winning 
      Project Gecko means a lot to me because I named a whole new species of 
      gecko for eternity and giving the gecko this name may mean there’s 
      a better chance to help other species.”
    
    
      The contest organizers Zilla, manufacturer of reptile products, 
      believe Farquhar’s name is perfect for the 
      new species. “We were thrilled to read about 
      why Gemma chose this name for the gecko,” 
      said Daniel Lorica, Zilla brand manager. “She 
      recognizes that we all have a responsibility to preserve the endangered 
      species of animals with whom we share our world. And her appreciation 
      for the environment is what made her entry stand out from the others.”
    
    
      Farquhar, her teacher Linda Hess, and fellow students were honored at a 
      celebration at PETCO in Sewell, NJ. They were given a party with food, a 
      reptile show and a Q&A session with Dr. Bauer on Saturday, May 31.
    
    
      A panel consisting of three judges - educators and reptile experts - 
      evaluated each entry submitted in the contest. The entries were judged 
      based on creativity, explanation of name, adherence to rules, grammar 
      and spelling.
    
    
      As the grand prize winner, Farquhar was presented with a $1,000 savings 
      bond from NARBC (North American Reptile Breeders Conference & Trade 
      Show). Plus, she and her family received a trip to Busch Gardens and 
      Adventure Island in Tampa, FL. Linda Hess, Farquhar’s 
      teacher at Oaklyn Elementary School, received a Lenovo Laptop and 
      reptile books for the class. REPTILES Magazine also donated 
      subscriptions to the students.
    
    
      In addition to Farquhar, the panel of judges for Project Gecko also 
      selected individual grade student winners Madilyn Bragg of West Monroe, 
      LA for the fifth grade and Daniel Carr of Tampa, FL for the sixth grade.
    
    
      About ZillaTM
    
    
      ZillaTM products are produced by Central Garden 
      & Pet (NASDAQ:CENT), a company that innovates, markets and manufactures 
      quality branded aquarium and terrarium equipment. For more information, 
      please visit www.zilla-rules.com.