Campbell's alligator lizard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Campbell's alligator lizard |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Abronia (lizard)
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| Species: |
campbelli
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The Abronia campbelli, also known as Campbell's alligator lizard, is a special type of lizard. It belongs to a group called arboreal alligator lizards, which means it lives mostly in trees. This lizard is part of the family called Anguidae.
Campbell's alligator lizard is found only in eastern Guatemala. This means it is endemic to that area, and you won't find it naturally anywhere else in the world. Sadly, it is currently listed as a critically endangered species. This means it faces a very high risk of disappearing forever in the wild.
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What is Campbell's Alligator Lizard?
Campbell's alligator lizard is a type of lizard that spends most of its life in trees. It has a unique appearance that helps it blend into its forest home. These lizards are known for their strong, armored scales, which give them a somewhat rough texture.
They are usually medium-sized lizards. Their bodies are often green or brownish-green, which helps them hide among leaves and branches. They have long tails that they can use for balance and gripping branches.
Where Does Campbell's Alligator Lizard Live?
This lizard's natural habitat is in the cool, moist forests of eastern Guatemala. It prefers to live at high altitudes, usually between 1,800 and 1,900 meters (about 5,900 to 6,200 feet) above sea level. These cloud forests provide the perfect environment for them.
The trees in these forests are very important for Campbell's alligator lizards. They use the branches for climbing, hunting, and resting. The dense forest canopy also helps protect them from predators and harsh weather.
How Does Campbell's Alligator Lizard Reproduce?
A. campbelli is a viviparous species. This means that, unlike many lizards that lay eggs, the mother lizard gives birth to live young. The baby lizards develop inside the mother's body until they are ready to be born.
This way of reproducing is less common among lizards. It means the young lizards are more developed when they are born. This might give them a better chance of surviving in their forest home.
Why is it Called Campbell's Alligator Lizard?
The specific name, campbelli, was given to this lizard to honor a famous American herpetologist named Jonathan A. Campbell. A herpetologist is a scientist who studies reptiles and amphibians.
Scientists often name new species after people who have made important contributions to their field. This is a way to recognize their hard work and discoveries.
Conservation Status
Campbell's alligator lizard is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This is the highest risk category for wild species. It means they face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
The main threats to this lizard are the loss of its forest habitat. Forests are being cut down for farming, logging, and other human activities. This leaves the lizards with fewer places to live and find food. Protecting their forest homes is very important for their survival.
See also
In Spanish: Abronia campbelli para niños
