Ctenophorus mirrityana

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Ctenophorus mirrityana
Barrier Range Dragon.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Agamidae
Genus: Ctenophorus
Species:
C. mirrityana
Binomial name
Ctenophorus mirrityana
McLean, Moussalli, Sass, and Stuart-Fox, 2013 [2]

The Barrier Range dragon (Ctenophorus mirrityana) is an agamid lizard which has been newly described (2013) as a separate species from the tawny dragon (Ctenophorus decresii). This species is endemic to Australia, restricted to just three sites in western New South Wales (NSW). [2]

Contents

Taxonomy

C. mirrityana is the newest member of the Ctenophorus decresii complex, which originally comprised four closely related, rock-dwelling species. [2] As a member of the Agamidae lizard family, this dragon is characterised by its well-developed limbs and rough scales. [3] Currently made up of 33 species, Ctenophorus is the largest genus of agamid lizards in Australia, with most of these lizards found in arid areas. [3] [4] Assessment of its genetic, colour and anatomical differences to C. decresii, has led to the Barrier Range dragon being recognised as its own species. [2]

Description

Adult Male Barrier Range Dragon Adult Male Barrier Range Dragon.jpg
Adult Male Barrier Range Dragon

The Barrier Range dragon is a medium sized terrestrial lizard, which can reach a total length of 26 cm. Both males and females have small head and snout length measurements compared to other Ctenophorus species. Their compressed head and dorsoventrally flattened body, likely an adaptation for navigating the narrow rock crevices these lizards inhabit. [2]

As a sexually dimorphic species, male Barrier Range dragons are brightly coloured in contrast to the cryptically coloured females. The body of the male ranges from grey-blue to pale blue, however as the lizard’s temperature increases, this blue becomes more prominent. In contrast to the body’s pale colouration, the head is orange with a black stripe beginning at the eye and continuing laterally along the flank. The cream base colour of the male’s throat features grey parallel stripes, overlain with orange colouration, and a central black stripe running the length of the throat. The unique colouration of the male’s throat is one feature that distinguishes this species from C. decresii. [2]

Female Barrier Range dragons are brown in colour with black and terracotta stripes running along the flank. The dorsal scales also feature grey and terracotta specks. Similar to males, female lizards also have cream coloured throats with grey stripes but lack any black or orange colouration on the head. Juveniles have a similar appearance to the adult females, however they are generally paler with less vibrant speckling. [2]

Distribution and habitat

Distribution of the Barrier Range Dragon BRD Distribution.jpg
Distribution of the Barrier Range Dragon

The Barrier Range Dragon is found in the rocky hills of Western NSW at just three locations, including Mutawintji National Park, Purnamoota and Silverton Wind Farm. [2] [5] Typically, this species occurs in rocky habitat such as outcrops, gorges, ridges and scattered rock aggregates. [5] [6] However, it has also been recorded in mulga shrubland, black oak woodland and hummock grass woodland habitat. [2]

Ecology

Rocky Outcrop at Mutawintji National Park Mutawintji National Park.jpg
Rocky Outcrop at Mutawintji National Park

C. mirrityana is a rock dwelling, diurnal species that predominately occupies rock aggregates and the flat tops of ridges. As an ectotherm, these lizards utilise rocky habitat for basking but are inactive during the hottest part of the day (1300 and 1500 hrs). [6]

As temperatures peak during the day, these dragons will seek out rock crevices, which are an important habitat requirement for this species. This species will also shelter in these structures when threatened. The dorsoventrally flattened head and body of the Barrier Range dragon further reflects how this species has evolved to rely on rock crevices. [2]

These lizards also have long hindlimbs which assists them in navigating their rocky environment. [2]

As male Barrier Range dragons are territorial and participate in conspicuous courtship behaviour, they utilise elevated rocky outcrops to demonstrate these displays. [2]

Evolutionary relationships

All members of the C. decresii are sexually dimorphic and well adapted to the rocky habitats they inhabit. Some common anatomical features include a dorsoventrally flattened head and long hindlimbs. [2]

However, a number of morphological measurements distinguishes C. mirrityana from other species of the C. decresii complex. Measurements which separate this lizard from the other taxa include the small head relative to body size, snout length, jaw length and width between nostrils. [2]

Although differences in throat colouration exist, male Barrier Range dragon dorsal colouration closely resemble C. decresii and C. fionni males from the Lower Eyre Peninsula population. This suggests that dorsal scale colouration and pattern is an ancestral trait. [2]

It is likely that distinct differences in throat colouration between species in the C. decresii complex is due to the elaborate courtship behaviour. As the throat is on display during this behaviour, mate recognition and selection have likely led to colour divergence between the species. [2]

Life-history traits

The Barrier Range dragon is an oviparous, that is, egg laying species that breeds between late July and early November. During the breeding season, males will perform courtship and territorial behaviour, characterised by head bobbing and push-ups. [5] [7] Typically, this species will lay 3-7 eggs in a clutch and multiple clutches can be produced within a breeding season. Females will lay their eggs in constructed burrows that create a stable humid environment for the eggs. Under stable environmental conditions in the burrow eggs can hatch after 55 days, however, it can take up tp 89 days for eggs to hatch. [7]

During the breeding season both males and females develop orange colouration on the belly. [2]

Conservation

Although currently listed as endangered in NSW, more extensive field surveys are required in order to accurately assess this species conservation status. [5] Due to its restricted distribution, the Barrier Range dragon faces a number of threats including habitat degradation, competition for resources, fire, predation by feral predators and inappropriate land management. [6]

As rock crevices and the structure of outcrops are significant habitat considerations for C. mirrityana, competition for habitat and degradation by goats ( Capra hircus )  is arguably the biggest threat to this species. [5] By exerting a grazing pressure on flora, feral goats have a negative impact on vegetation diversity, cover and structure in the Barrier Range dragon’s habitat. This has the potential to reduce or alter the availability of key prey species for these lizards. [6] Feral goats also have a detrimental effect on habitat quality, as C. mirrityana is less likely to inhabit rock crevices which are filled or partially filled with goat scat. [5] Frequent fires are another threatening process which could also potentially reduce the availably of suitable habitat and food sources for the Barrier Range dragon. [6]

Predation by introduced species, including feral cats and foxes, is a significant threat to the species. [6]  

As an endangered species, the Barrier Range dragon is part of the NSW Saving Our Species initiative. In order to increase the species numbers and manage threats against this dragon, two priority sites are being utilised for conservation projects and management activities. These sites include Mutawintji National Park and Purnamoota. [6]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Agamidae</span> Family of lizards

Agamidae is a family of over 550 species of iguanian lizards indigenous to Africa, Asia, Australia, and a few in Southern Europe. Many species are commonly called dragons or dragon lizards.

<i>Ctenophorus</i> Genus of lizards

Ctenophorus is a genus of lizards, commonly known as comb-bearing dragons, found in Australia. They are in the dragon lizard family, known as Agamidae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frilled lizard</span> Species of reptile

The frilled lizard, also known as the frillneck lizard, frill-necked lizard or frilled dragon, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. It is native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. This species is the only member of the genus Chlamydosaurus. Its common names come from the large frill around its neck, which usually stays folded against the lizard's body. It reaches 90 cm (35 in) from head to tail and can weigh 600 g (1.3 lb). Males are larger and more robust than females. The lizard's body is generally grey, brown, orangish-brown, or black in colour. The frills have red, orange, yellow, or white colours.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastern bearded dragon</span> Species of lizard

The eastern bearded dragon, also known as common bearded dragon or simply bearded lizard, is an agamid lizard found in wooded parts of Australia. It is one of a group of species known commonly as bearded dragons. Other common names for this species include Jew lizard and frilly lizard, the latter being a confusion between this and another dragon, the frill-necked lizard. This species was originally described in 1829 by Georges Cuvier, who named it Amphibolurus barbatus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peninsular rock agama</span> Species of reptile

The peninsular rock agama or South Indian rock agama is a common species of agama found on rocky hills in south India. An allied species, Psammophilus blanfordanus, is found in the Eastern Ghats, but north of the range of this species.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yellow-footed rock-wallaby</span> Species of marsupial

The yellow-footed rock-wallaby, formerly known as the ring-tailed rock-wallaby, is a member of the macropod family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greek rock lizard</span> Species of lizard

The Greek rock lizard is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. Endemic to Greece, its natural habitats are temperate forests, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, and pastureland. It is threatened by habitat loss.The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed it as being "near threatened".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peloponnese wall lizard</span> Species of lizard

The Peloponnese wall lizard is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. It is endemic to the Peloponnese region of southern Greece. Its natural habitats are Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, arable land, pastureland, plantations, and rural gardens.

<i>Ctenophorus reticulatus</i> Species of lizard

Ctenophorus reticulatus, the western netted dragon or western netted ground-dragon, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. It is found in South Australia, Western Australia and southern Northern Territory.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central netted dragon</span> Species of lizard

The central netted dragon or central netted ground dragon is a species of agamid lizard occurring in a wide range of arid to semiarid regions of Australia. It is widespread across the continent, commonly found in open, sandy, desert habitats. It is a popular pet and can often be found in zoos.

<i>Ctenophorus pictus</i> Species of lizard

Ctenophorus pictus, commonly known as the painted ground-dragon or painted dragon, is a species of lizard from the family Agamidae. It is endemic to the drier areas of southern and central Australia.

<i>Diporiphora winneckei</i> Species of lizard

Diporiphora winneckei, also known commonly as the canegrass dragon, canegrass two-line dragon, blue-lined dragon, and Winnecke's two-pored dragon, is a species of small, terrestrial, diurnal lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is endemic to Australia. It is found throughout arid zones of Australia and is also a common house pet.

<i>Ctenophorus fionni</i> Species of lizard

Ctenophorus fionni, also known commonly as the Arcoona rock dragon, the peninsula crevice-dragon and the peninsula dragon, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is endemic to the Australian state of South Australia.

<i>Ctenophorus decresii</i> Species of lizard

Ctenophorus decresii, also known commonly as the tawny dragon or the tawny crevice-dragon, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is endemic to Australia. The average snout-to-vent length (SVL) of the species is 80.76 mm (3.180 in) with larger individuals being around 89 mm (3.5 in) and smaller individuals around 72 mm (2.8 in). The optimal time for mating in this species is two to three weeks after the females emerge from hibernation. Eggs are typically laid from September to October with most of them being laid earlier in the period. C. decresii is known for its variations in throat colors which change based on environmental conditions. Its primary food sources consist of both vegetation and invertebrates, and it prefers to live in rocky habitats.

<i>Agama bibronii</i> Species of lizard

Agama bibronii, Bibron's agama or the North African rock agama, is a species of lizard belonging to the family Agamidae from north western Africa.

The gibber earless dragon also known as the smooth-snouted earless dragon, is a species of agamid lizard endemic to Australia. It is one of a documented species of the genus Tympanocryptis, a group of small terrestrial lizards that feed off invertebrates and are characterised by the absence of an external ear structure.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mallee military dragon</span> Species of lizard

The Mallee military dragon, also commonly known as the Mallee dragon and the Mallee sand-dragon, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is native to the arid parts of southern Australia.

<i>Ctenophorus caudicinctus</i> Species of lizard

Ctenophorus caudicinctus, commonly known as the ring-tailed dragon or ring-tailed bicycle-dragon is a native species of agamid lizard occurring in rocky ranges and outcrops of Australia. Ctenophorus caudicinctus is most commonly found in the Pilbara region and offshore islands of Western Australia. The ctenophorus has 28 known species in the northern, southern, and western parts of Australia. It is recognized to be the most speciose group of Australian agamids.

Ctenophorus mckenziei, more commonly known as the dwarf-bicycle dragon, is a species of endemic Australian lizard within the family Agamidae and genus Ctenophorus. Originally identified as the agamid Amphibolurus mckenziei, the lizard had been identified within the regions of Western Australia and South Australia in which it occupied the shrubbery and woodland areas as its habitat. It was subsequently transferred to the genus Ctenophorus along with other Agamid species in which it shared similar morphology and characteristics. The name mckenziei is in reference to Norman Leslie Mckenzie, who was a zoologist and discovered the existence of the lizard. Listed on the IUCN red list page, threats to its population numbers are evaluated as least concern; however, their numbers are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and feral predators.

<i>Ctenophorus parviceps</i> Species of lizard

Ctenophorus parviceps, commonly known as the Gnaraloo heath dragon or northwestern heath dragon is a species of agamid lizard occurring in pale coastal sands and shell grit with open heaths and beach spinifex, between the North West Cape and Carnarvon, Western Australia and on Bernier Island. The Gnaraloo Heath Dragon is a lizard that can be found along the coast of Western Australia between Exmouth Gulf and Shark Bay, and is also known as the Northwestern Heath Dragon. It is native to Australia and usually inhabits sandy coastal dunes. The species’ longevity is 3–50 years and its population density is extremely low. The Gnaraloo Heath Dragon is a member of the Agamidae family, which contains 15 genera. The lizard is under the Ctenophorus genus which has up to 33 species. This genus shows the most morphological and ecological diversity out of the three large agamid genera. 83% of the lizards in this genus lack a crest, while 17% possess crests. They are smaller than most agamids but do have relatively large heads. The Gnaraloo Heath Dragon can be differentiated from related species by a series of spines on the tail's base, a pale-grey brown broad vertebral band along its back, and hour-glass bars extending upwards to meet the pale vertebral band. It is usually 45mm in terms of length, measuring from snout to vent.

References

  1. ↑ Melville, J.; Hutchinson, M.; Robertson, P.; Michael, D. (2017). "Ctenophorus mirrityana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2017. Retrieved 2021-06-04.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 McLean, Claire A; Moussalli, Adnan; Sass, Steve; Stuart-Fox, Devi (2013). "Taxonomic Assessment of the Ctenophorus decresii Complex (Reptilia: Agamidae) Reveals a New Species of Dragon Lizard from Western New South Wales". Records of the Australian Museum. 65 (3): 51–63. doi: 10.3853/j.2201-4349.65.2013.1600 .
  3. 1 2 Wilson, Steve; Swan, Gerry (2013). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. New Holland Publishers. pp. 372–380. ISBN   9781921517280.
  4. ↑ Dong, Caroline M; Johnston, Greg R; Stuart-Fox, Devi; Moussalli, Adnan; Rankin, Katrina J; McLean, Claire A (2021). "Elevation of Divergent Color Polymorphic and Monomorphic Lizard Lineages (Squamata: Agamidae) to Species Level". Ichthyology & Herpetology. 109 (1): 43–54. doi: 10.1643/h2020064 .
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Sass, Steve; Swan, Gerry (2014). "Factors Influencing Habitat Occupancy of the Endangered Barrier Range Dragon (Ctenophorus mirrityana: Agamidae)". Herpetological Review. 45 (2): 213–216.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Smales, I. (2018). Silverton Wind Farm: Barrier Range Dragon Management Plan (Report No. 26380). Biosis. https://www.agl.com.au/about-agl/how-we-source-energy/silverton-wind-farm
  7. 1 2 Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (2021). "Barrier Range dragon (Ctenophorus mirrityana) Saving our Species fact sheet". Archived from the original on 2021-05-15. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
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