| Phrynocephalus horvathi | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Iguania |
| Family: | Agamidae |
| Genus: | Phrynocephalus |
| Species: | P. horvathi |
| Binomial name | |
| Phrynocephalus horvathi (Méhely, 1894) | |
| Synonyms | |
Phrynocephalus horvathi is a small diurnal desert lizard in the family Agamidae. It is endemic to the valley of the Aras River and considered Critically Endangered.
The phylogeny within the genus Phrynocephalus is not well understood and has been the subject of recent revisions. Following Melnikov et al. (2008), [2] the IUCN considers P. horvathi and P. persicus different species rather than subspecies of P. persicus (for details see Phrynocephalus persicus ). This usage has been followed here, contrary to the Reptile Database. [3]
The neotype, an adult male, measures 48 mm (1.9 in) in snout–vent length, and has a 60 mm (2.4 in) tail. The body is slender and depressed; also the head is depressed. There is a crest, consisting of a row of nine thornlike scales, along the middle line of neck. [4]
P. horvathi occurs in several isolated populations the valley of the Aras River in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, at elevations of up to 500 m. Like P. persicus, this species prefers vegetation patches on loose sandy soils in semi-deserts, but can also be found on traditional arable land. [1]
The species is categorized as "critically endangered" due to its fragmented range, small populations and some 80 percent of its habitat having been lost over the past three generations (12 years) to the spread of agriculture and urbanization. A total population estimate of less than 2,000 individuals was made in 2008. P. horvathi is present in at least one official conservation area. [1]
Phrynocephalus is a genus which includes 33 species of small and medium-sized agamid lizards, commonly called toadhead agamas or toad-headed agamas, that inhabit open arid and semiarid environments of Asia and Eastern Europe. The systematics of this genus are very complicated with many controversial points of view about the unclear phylogeny of this group. All representatives of this genus have adopted the so-called "sit and wait" hunting strategy and they actively use visual orientation when watching for food. In general, the ecological niche and role of Phrynocephalus species in lizard communities of arid environments of Asia are poorly studied, but seem to be similar to that of Phrynosoma, Cophosaurus, Holbrookia, Uta, and Sceloporus in the New World, as well as Moloch in Australia.
Filippo De Filippi was an Italian doctor, traveler and zoologist.
The reticulated toad-headed agama is a species of agamid lizard found in Central Asia and West Asia.
Phrynocephalus theobaldi is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is endemic to Asia.
Phrynocephalus mystaceus, also known as the secret toadhead agama and toad-headed agama, is a species of agamid lizard. It is found in southern Russia, Kazakhstan, and northwestern China (Xinjiang) and southward to northern Iran, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.The most exciting feature of the toad-headed agamas is their defense mechanism. When threatened, they flatten their bodies and open their mouths wide, such that their bright-colored flaps open. This, along with continuous hissing, scares whatever predator they encounter.
Goravan Sands Sanctuary is a state protected area in Ararat Province, Armenia.
Phrynocephalus persicus, commonly known as the Persian toad-headed agama, is a small diurnal desert lizard of the family Agamidae. It is the westernmost representative of the Central Asian genus of toad-headed agamas Phrynocephalus and is only known from deserts and semideserts of Iran and possibly Azerbaijan.
Phrynocephalus versicolor, the Tuvan toad-headed agama, is a species of agamid lizard found in desert areas of China and Mongolia. It was first described by the Russian herpetologist Alexander Strauch, director of the Zoological Museum at the Imperial Academy of Sciences at St. Petersburg.
Natalie's toad-headed agama is a species of agamid lizard endemic to the Zagros Mountains in Iran. The specific epithet honors Natalia Ananjeva of the Zoological Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia for her contribution to herpetological research of the family Agamidae and Phrynocephalus in particular.
Iranolacerta brandtii, also known commonly as Brandt's Persian lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is native to eastern Europe and western Asia. There are two recognized subspecies.
Arabian toad-headed agama is a species of agamid lizard found in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Iran, and Jordan.
Phrynocephalus clarkorum, also known commonly as the Afghan toad-headed agama and Clark's toad-headed agama, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is native to parts of Central and South Asia.
Phrynocephalus forsythii, also known commonly as Forsyth's toadhead agama and Forsyth's toad-headed lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is endemic to China.
Phrynocephalus guttatus, also known commonly as the spotted toadhead agama, the Saissan toad-headed agama, the Central Asian toadhead agama, and Salensky's toadhead agama, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia. There are five recognized subspecies.
Phrynocephalus helioscopus, the sunwatcher toadhead agama, Fergana toad-headed agama, or sunwatcher, is a species of agamid lizard found in Kazakhstan, S Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Iraq, China, Mongolia, and Iran.
Phrynocephalus sakoi is a species of agamid lizard. It is endemic to Oman.
Phrynocephalus strauchi, Strauch's toad agama, is a species of agamid lizard found in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.
Phrynocephalus saidalievi, the Fergana toad-headed agama, is a species of agamid lizard found in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
