Leiocephalus altavelensis

Leiocephalus altavelensis
Conservation status
Critically Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Iguania
Family:	Leiocephalidae
Genus:	Leiocephalus
Species:	L. altavelensis
Binomial name
Leiocephalus altavelensis Noble & Hassler, 1933

Leiocephalus altavelensis, also known as the Alto Velo curlytail lizard, is a species of lizard belonging to the family Leiocephalidae. It is endemic to Isla Alto Velo, an island located off the southern coast of the Dominican Republic. The species was first described by George K. Noble and William G. Hassler in 1933. ^[1]

Taxonomy

Leiocephalus altavelensis has been the subject of taxonomic debate. While once considered a subspecies of closely related Leiocephalusbarahonensis, molecular evidence supports its status as a distinct species. Morphological distinctions also set it apart from its relatives, further justifying its specific designation. ^[2]

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

This species is exclusively found on Isla Alto Velo, a small island with a total area of approximately 4 km². The island is part of the Jaragua National Park in the Pedernales Province. Its distribution is limited to the fringing rocks and coastal zones, with an elevational range from sea level to 100 meters above sea level. The species is absent from the island's central plateau. ^{[2] [3]}

The Alto Velo curlytail lizard inhabits xeric coastal environments, where it utilizes rocks, leaf litter, and grass for shelter and foraging. The species is oviparous. Its habitat overlaps with seabird nesting grounds, adding complexity to its ecological interactions. ^[2]

References

1. "Leiocephalus altavelensis". The Reptile Database. Retrieved 2025-01-21.
2. Blair Hedges (Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA); Robert Powell (IUCN SSC Iguana Specialist Group / Department of Biology, Avila University, Kansas City, Missouri 64145, USA); Landestoy, Miguel; Inchaustegui, Sixto (2015-07-23). "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Leiocephalus altavelensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Archived from the original on 2024-12-11. Retrieved 2025-01-22.
3. "The Leiocephalus (Lacertilia, Iguanidae) of Hispaniola. 2. The Leiocephalus personatus complex". Tulane studies in zoology. 14: 1–53. 1967. doi: 10.5962/bhl.part.29851 . ISSN   0082-6782.