Mexican alligator lizard

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Mexican alligator lizard
Arboreal Alligator Lizard Abronia graminea 2900px.jpg
Abronia graminea
CITES Appendix II (CITES) [2]
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Anguidae
Genus: Abronia
Species:
A. graminea
Binomial name
Abronia graminea
Cope, 1864

The Mexican alligator lizard (Abronia graminea), also known as the green arboreal alligator lizard, is an endangered species of lizard endemic to the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca highlands of Mexico. [3] [4] It can be found in the states of Puebla, Veracruz, and Oaxaca. [3] It was originally described under the genus Gerrhonotus as Gerrhonotus gramineus by Edward D. Cope in 1864. [5]

Contents

The Mexican alligator lizard adopts an arboreal lifestyle and is commonly found inhabiting the bromeliads among mesic cloud or pine-oak forest canopies. [6] [7] [8] [9] This habitat offers a humid temperate climate with summer rains. The preferred diet of this species is a variety of insects. [6] [10] Colour patterns of the Mexican alligator lizard can range from bright emerald green to dark teal blue; [8] [9] juvenile colouration is a tan ground colour with dark crossbands. [3] [7] [11]

The IUCN rates the Mexican alligator lizard as endangered. [3] [1] Decline of the species is mainly the result of habitat fragmentation due to fire, deforestation, and land use change for agriculture. [6] [10] Illegal trafficking for the pet trade has also contributed to the status of this species. [6]

Taxonomy

The genus Abronia was first described by John Edward Gray in 1838. [12] In 1864, Edward D. Cope described a new species: Gerrhonotus gramineus. [5] This name was used in subsequent literature until 1949, where it was then re-classified under the genus Abronia. [13] In 1949, Tihen reported this species as Abronia taeniata graminea. Tihen considered A. graminea to be a subspecies of A. taeniata based on observations of four specimens collected in Veracruz, Mexico, exhibiting morphological characteristics of both species. [13] Additional literature published after Tihen (1949) also reported the name A. taeniata graminea to reflect these potential intergrades. However, Martin's observations in 1955 argued that A. graminea was not a subspecies of A. taeniata based on clear morphological differences, and re-elevated A. graminea to species status. Currently, the Mexican alligator lizard's valid taxonomic identifier is Abronia graminea. [14] [15]

A. graminea is one of 29 species described in this genus. [3] [16] Little is known about its relation to other Abronia species. Its distribution range has been shown to overlap with that of A. taeniata. [4] These two species can be distinguished by the number of transverse dorsal scale rows, longitudinal nuchal scale rows, and adult dorsal body colourations. [4] Individuals of A. graminea have 25-29 transverse dorsal scale rows, while A. taeniata has 30-36; 4-6 longitudinal nuchal scale rows in A. graminea, and 6 in A. taeniata; adult dorsal body colour is uniform in A. graminea whereas A. taeniata adult dorsal body colour includes dark crossbands. [9]

Common names

LanguageName
EnglishMexican alligator lizard

Green arboreal alligator lizard [15]

Terrestrial arboreal alligator lizard [1]

SpanishEscorpión arboricola de Tehuacá [16]

Dragoncito del Sur de la Sierra Madre Oriental [10]

Lagarto alicante terrestre [10] [14]

Description

The Mexican alligator lizard has a dorsoventrally depressed body with a flattened, triangular head and weak lateral fold. [5] [6] [13] [17] It reaches up to about 10.6 cm (4.2 in) in snout–vent length and 16.0 cm (6.3 in) in tail length. [5] [6] An individual that had a snout–vent length of 9.8 cm (3.9 in) weighed 21.2 g (0.75 oz) and another with a snout–vent length of 10.0 cm (3.9 in) weighed 20.7 g (0.73 oz). [8] This species has a prehensile tail, that can be regrown if lost, [16] and long, strong limbs and digits ideal for its arboreal habitat. [7] [13] The adult colour pattern varies significantly from the juvenile colouration. Adult males are typically bright emerald green while females exhibit colour variations that include bright to dull orange on the dorsal side. [4] [5] [8] [17] Other colour elements present in adults include bright yellow orbital skin, blue highlights on the supralabial scales, and yellow snout, lower jaw, and throat. [8] Dorsal scales contain variable amounts of dark pigmentation on the basal half of the scales. [8] Females of this species occasionally retain dark crossbands characteristic of juvenile colour patterns. [4] [8] Juveniles typically express a light tan ground colour with 9 irregular black crossbands on the body and 19 on the tail, and a dirty yellow ventrum. [7] [11]

Typical scale patterns for A. graminea includes:

The preauricular scales are granular, and the dorsal scales are slightly keeled. [6] [13] [17] [18] [19] The plates of the head are often thickened and roughed, giving the head a triangular appearance. [5] [19] Typically, the dorsal scales are larger than the ventrals. [18]

Distribution range of the Mexican alligator lizard in the states of Puebla, Veracruz, and Oaxaca. Abronia graminea distribution.png
Distribution range of the Mexican alligator lizard in the states of Puebla, Veracruz, and Oaxaca.

Distribution

The Mexican alligator lizard is a widely distributed species endemic to the highlands of Mexico along the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountain range. [3] [7] It has an estimated distribution of approximately 11,500 km2. [6] [10] This range include the states of Puebla, Veracruz, and Oaxaca. [6] The region this species inhabits is located at elevations of 1,350-2,743m above sea level. [3] [6] [7]

Ecology

Habitat

The Mexican alligator lizard occurs in mesic, montane forest environments. It is typically found in cloud forests or pine–oak forests within humid temperate climates that may experience dramatic changes in temperature between day and night. [7] [8] [9] [16] This arboreal species is located among epiphytic vegetation, particularly bromeliads, [6] [9] but also lichens and orchids. [16] This arboreal species can be found at heights of 40m in forest canopies. [16] A. graminea cannot thrive in a degraded habitat. [4]

Diet

In captivity, A. graminea typically feeds on a variety of insects and other arthropods. [6] [10] Due to limited research, it is unknown what exact feeding strategies are used by this species.

Lifespan

Lifespan in the wild is unknown. In captivity, A. graminea has been reported to live up to 10 years. [20]

Reproduction & lifecycle

A. graminea is considered to be viviparous (giving birth to live offspring). [3] [6] [7] Typically, females become sexually mature in their 3rd year of life and can give birth to litters of 1-12 offspring. [3] Although copulation has not been observed in the wild, mating typically occurs in the summer/fall, and parturition occurs in the spring. [3] The gestation period for the Mexican alligator lizard is approximately 6–8 months. [20]

Conservation

Status

The Mexican alligator lizard is considered an Endangered species on the IUCN Red List. It is a protected animal under Mexican Federal Law as a Threatened species on the Norma Oficial Mexicana list. [3] [16]

Threats

Population fragmentation and destruction of habitat are the main factors contributing to the decline of this species. [6] Forest fires, deforestation, and change of land use for agricultural purposes has degraded this habitat and reduced the distribution of A. graminea dramatically. [16] Illegal international trade of A. graminea for the purpose of maintaining it as a pet has significantly contributed to the status of this species. [16]

Related Research Articles

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

Anguidae refers to a large and diverse family of lizards native to the Northern Hemisphere. Common characteristics of this group include a reduced supratemporal arch, striations on the medial faces of tooth crowns, osteoderms, and a lateral fold in the skin of most taxa. The group is divided into two living subfamilies, the legless Anguinae, which contains slow worms and glass lizards, among others, found across the Northern Hemisphere, and Gerrhonotinae, which contains the alligator lizards, native to the Americas. The family Diploglossidae was also formerly included. The family contains about 87 species in 8 genera.

<i>Abronia</i> (lizard) Genus of lizards, family of Anguidae

Abronia is a genus of lizards in the family Anguidae that is native to Mexico and Central America. The majority of the species are restricted to southern Mexico and Guatemala, but members of the genus occur as far south as Panama. They inhabit forests and woodlands, mostly in highlands, and some species are often associated with bromeliads. They are typically arboreal, but there are also terrestrial Abronia species. Many species are considered threatened due to habitat loss, killing by locals who mistakenly believe they are venomous, or collection for the captive reptile trade. They feed on small animal prey, such as insects, and the females give birth to live young.

<i>Gerrhonotus</i> Genus of lizards

Gerrhonotus is a genus of anguid lizards that are commonly referred to as alligator lizards, due to a vague resemblance to an alligator. Most species are restricted to Mexico, but a few range into Guatemala or Texas, and G. rhombifer is from Costa Rica and Panama. Along with glass lizards (Ophisaurus) and many other lizards, alligator lizards have the ability to regrow their tail.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southern alligator lizard</span> Species of lizard

The southern alligator lizard is a common species of lizard in the family Anguidae. The species is native to the Pacific coast of North America. It ranges from Baja California to the state of Washington and lives in a variety of habitats including grasslands, chaparral, forests, and even urban areas. In dry climates, it is likely to be found in moist areas or near streams. There are five recognized subspecies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monte Cristo arboreal alligator lizard</span> Species of lizard

The Monte Cristo arboreal alligator lizard is an endangered species of lizard in the family Anguidae. The species is distributed in the cloud forests of El Salvador as well as Honduras. This species is classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List

<i>Abronia bogerti</i> Species of lizard

Abronia bogerti, known by the common name Bogert's arboreal alligator lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Anguidae. The species is endemic to Mexico.

<i>Abronia chiszari</i> Species of lizard

Abronia chiszari, Chiszar's arboreal alligator lizard, is an endangered species of arboreal alligator lizard in the family Anguidae. The species is native to east-central Mexico.

<i>Abronia deppii</i> Species of lizard

Abronia deppii, Deppe's arboreal alligator lizard, is an endangered species of arboreal alligator lizard in the family Anguidae. The species was described in 1828 by Arend Friedrich August Wiegmann, and it is endemic to Mexico.

<i>Abronia matudai</i> Species of lizard

Abronia matudai, Matuda's arboreal alligator lizard, is a species of endangered arboreal alligator lizard in the family Anguidae. The species, which was originally described in 1946 by Norman Hartweg and Joseph Tihen, is endemic to Central America.

<i>Abronia mitchelli</i> Species of lizard

Abronia mitchelli, Mitchell's arboreal alligator lizard, is a species of arboreal alligator lizard in the family Anguidae. The species, which was originally described in 1982 by Jonathan A. Campbell, is endemic to southwestern Mexico.

Abronia oaxacae, the Oaxacan arboreal alligator lizard, is a vulnerable species of arboreal alligator lizard described in 1885 by Albert C. L. G. Günther. It is endemic to Oaxaca, Mexico.

<i>Abronia ochoterenai</i> Species of lizard

Abronia ochoterenai, Ochoterena's arboreal alligator lizard or Northern Chiapas arboreal alligator lizard, is a species of arboreal alligator lizard in the family Anguidae. The species, which is native to extreme southern Mexico, was described in 1939 by Rafael Martín del Campo.

<i>Abronia ornelasi</i> Species of lizard

Abronia ornelasi, Ornelas's arboreal alligator lizard or Cerro Baul alligator lizard, is a species of arboreal alligator lizard in the family Anguidae. The species, which was originally described in 1984 by Jonathan A. Campbell, is endemic to southern Mexico.

The isthmian alligator lizard is a species of lizard of the Anguidae family. G. rhombifer is found in both Costa Rica and Panama. Unlike many lizards near its habitat, individuals have lateral folds. They give birth to live young. Gerrhonotus rhombifer had not been seen for fifty years, prior to being rediscovered in 2000 near Golfito, and is one of the rarest species of lizard in Costa Rica.

<i>Abronia moreletii</i> Species of lizard

Abronia moreletii, commonly known as Morelet's alligator lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Anguidae. The species is endemic to Central America.

Cope's arboreal alligator lizard is a species of lizard found in two isolated locations in Guatemala, one in the Alta Verapaz Department and one in the Jalapa Department. These lizard are found only in high altitudes of 2,000 to 2,600 feet above sea level, on the west and south sides of the mountain ranges. This lizard is one of 28 species of alligator lizards, most being arboreal, meaning they live in trees. These omnivores are considered endangered because of their small population size and they face extinction due to habitat degradation and from pressures of the pet trade.

Gerrhonotus farri, also known commonly as Farr's alligator lizard and the Tamaulipan alligator lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Anguidae. The species is native to northeastern Mexico.

<i>Abronia gadovii</i> Species of lizard

Abronia gadovii, also known commonly as Gadow's alligator lizard and el escorpión de Gadow in Mexican Spanish, is a species of lizard in the family Anguidae. The species is endemic to the highlands of the Sierra Madre del Sur in Guerrero and Oaxaca, Mexico. Two subspecies are recognized:

References

  1. 1 2 3 Flores-Villela, O.; Santos-Barrera, G. (2007). "Abronia graminea". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2007: e.T63678A12695490. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2007.RLTS.T63678A12695490.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ↑ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Clause, Adam, G.; Solano-Zavaleta, Israel; Vazquez-Vega, Luis Felipe (2016). "Captive reproduction and neonate variation in Abronia graminea (Squamata: Anguidae)". Herpetological Review. 47 (2): 231–234.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Clause, Adam, G.; Solano-Savaleta, Israel; Soto-Huerta, Karlo Antonio; Perez y Soto, Rosalia de la A.; Hernandez-Jiminez, Carlos A. (30 April 2018). "Morphological similarity in a zone of sympatry between two Abronia (Squamata: Anguidae), with comments on ecology and conservation". Herpetological Conservation and Biology. 13 (1): 183–193 – via Web of Science.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Cope, Edward D. (1864). "Contributions to the herpetology of tropical America". Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 16: 166–181 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Alejandro, Zaldivar Riveron; Schmidt, Walter; Heimes, Peter (12 January 2004). "Abronia graminea (Cope, 1864)" (PDF). National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO). Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Campbell, Jonathan A.; Frost, Darrel R. (3 September 1993). "Anguid lizards of the genus Abronia: Revisionary notes, descriptions of four new species, a phylogenetic analysis, and key". Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History (216): 1–121. hdl:2246/823.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Clause, Adam G.; Jimenez-Velaquez, Gustavo; Perez-Mendoza, Hibraim A. (March 2016). "Reptilia: Squamata (lizards)" (PDF). Mesoamerican Herpetology. 3 (1): 142–145. ISSN   2373-0951.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Martin, Paul S. (19 August 1955). "Herpetological records from the Gómez Farías region of southwestern Tamaulipas, México". Copeia. American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH). 1955 (3): 173–180. doi:10.2307/1440457. JSTOR   1440457.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Dragoncito del Sur de la Sierra Madre Oriental". Naturalista. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  11. 1 2 Werler, John E. (1951). "Miscellaneous notes on the eggs and young of Texan and Mexican reptiles". Zoologica. 36: 37–48 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  12. ↑ Gray, John Edward (1838). "A catalogue of the slender-tongued Saurians, with descriptions of many new genera and species". Annals of Natural History. 1: 388–394. doi:10.1080/00222933809512320 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 Tihen, J. A. (May 1949). "The genera of Gerrhonotine lizards". The American Midland Naturalist. 41 (3): 580–601. doi:10.2307/2421775. JSTOR   2421775.
  14. 1 2 "Abronia graminea (Cope, 1864)". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  15. 1 2 "Abronia graminea". National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties [PDF]. 11 July 2016. Retrieved from CITES website: https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/cop/17/prop/060216/E-CoP17-Prop-26.pdf
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 SEMARNAT, 2018. Programa de Acción para la Conservación de las Especies Abronia (Abronia spp) en México, SEMARNAT/ CONANP, México (Año de edición 2018).
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 Boulenger, George Albert (1885). Catalogue of the lizards in the British Museum (Natural History). Vol. II (2 ed.). London: Printed by order of the Trustees. pp. 267–269 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  19. 1 2 O'Shaughnessy, A. W. E. (1873). "Herpetological Notes". The Annals and Magazine of Natural History. 12 (67): 44–48. doi:10.1080/00222937308680695 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  20. 1 2 "Alligator Lizard". Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. 8 April 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
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