Anolis townsendi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anolis townsendi |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Anolis
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| Species: |
townsendi
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| Synonyms | |
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Norops townsendi (Stejneger, 1900) |
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The Anolis townsendi, also known as Townsend's anole or the Cocos Island anole, is a special kind of lizard. It belongs to a group of lizards called Dactyloidae. This anole is found only in one place in the world: Cocos Island in Costa Rica. When an animal or plant lives only in one specific place, we say it is endemic to that area.
About Townsend's Anole
Townsend's anole is a small to medium-sized lizard. Like other anoles, it is known for its ability to change color slightly. This helps it blend in with its surroundings. Anoles are also famous for their dewlaps. A dewlap is a flap of skin under their throat. They can extend it to show off, especially when trying to attract a mate or warn off other lizards.
Where It Lives
Cocos Island is a small, uninhabited island. It is located far off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This island is a National Park and a World Heritage Site. It is known for its amazing wildlife, both on land and in the ocean. The Cocos Island anole thrives in the warm, humid climate of the island. It lives among the trees and plants that cover the island.
What It Eats and Who Eats It
Like most lizards, Townsend's anole likely eats small insects and other tiny creatures. This makes it an important part of the island's food web.
Sometimes, the Cocos cuckoo will hunt and eat the Townsend's anole. The Cocos cuckoo is a bird that also lives only on Cocos Island. This shows how different species on the island are connected. They rely on each other for food and survival.
See also
- Anole
- Cocos Island
In Spanish: Anolis townsendi para niños
