Abronia fimbriata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Abronia fimbriata |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Abronia (lizard)
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| Species: |
fimbriata
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| Synonyms | |
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Barissia fimbriata Cope, 1884 |
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The Abronia fimbriata is a special kind of lizard. It's also known as the Fringed Arboreal Alligator Lizard. This lizard lives only in the high mountains of Guatemala, a country in Central America. It prefers cool, misty cloud forests.
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Meet the Abronia Fimbriata Lizard
The Abronia fimbriata is a unique lizard. It is endemic to Guatemala. This means it is found nowhere else in the world. It lives in the mountains of east-central Guatemala.
Where Does This Lizard Live?
This lizard makes its home in specific mountain ranges. These include Sierra de Xucaneb and Sierra de las Minas. It lives in cloud forests. These are forests that are often covered in clouds and mist. They are usually found at high elevations. The Abronia fimbriata lives between 1,400 and 2,100 meters high. Its total living area is quite small. It is only about 1,500 square kilometers.
Why Is It Endangered?
The Abronia fimbriata is an endangered species. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever. There are a few main reasons for this.
Limited Home Range
First, the lizard lives in a very small area. If its habitat shrinks, its population will drop quickly. It can only survive in cloud forests.
Habitat Loss
The biggest threat to its home is human activity. Farmers are expanding their fields. This takes away the lizard's forest habitat. Also, some plants are collected from these forests. These plants, like Chamaedaphne calyculata, are sent to countries like Japan and Europe. This also harms the lizard's home.
Illegal Pet Trade
Another big problem is the illegal pet trade. Some people try to catch these lizards. They then sell them as pets. This removes lizards from their natural homes. It makes it harder for the species to survive.
Protecting This Special Lizard
People are working hard to save the Abronia fimbriata. There are several efforts to protect its habitat.
Protected Areas
The lizard can be found in special protected areas. One example is Biotopo Universitario Mario Dary Rivera. Another is the Reserva de Biosfera Sierra de Las Minas. These places are set aside to protect nature. They help keep the lizard's home safe. There are also private reserves that help protect this unique lizard.
See also
In Spanish: Abronia fimbriata para niños
