Knuckles pygmy lizard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Knuckles pygmy lizard |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cophotis
|
| Species: |
dumbara
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Cophotis dumbarae , Manamendra-Arachchi, de Silva & Amarasinghe, 2006 |
|
The Knuckles pygmy lizard (scientific name: Cophotis dumbara) is a special type of lizard. It belongs to a group called agamids. This lizard lives only in Sri Lanka, specifically in the Knuckles Mountain Range. Sadly, it is a critically endangered species. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever. Its main threats are losing its home and trees being cut down.
Contents
About the Knuckles Pygmy Lizard
This small lizard is unique to the Knuckles Mountain Range in Sri Lanka. It was first described by scientists in 2006. The lizard is named after the area where it lives. Finding it is quite rare because it lives in a specific habitat.
Physical Features of the Lizard
Adult Knuckles pygmy lizards can grow up to about 60 millimeters long. This measurement is from their snout to the base of their tail. They have between 111 and 120 scales on their belly. Their head looks like a diamond shape from above.
The scales around their eyes are not very noticeable. They have a row of large, ridged scales above their eyes. The scale on their nose is shaped like a pentagon. The scales above their eyelids are ridged and long. Their eardrum is hidden under their skin. The scales on their chest are shaped like triangles.
Differences Between Males and Females
Male and female Knuckles pygmy lizards have different colors. This helps tell them apart.
- Male Lizards:
* Their upper lip is a pale greenish-yellow color. * The lower lip is a dark greenish-black. * A light greenish-yellow band runs from their snout to their armpit. * The areas around their cheeks and temples are blackish. These areas also have light greenish-yellow scales. * Their pupils are black, and their irises are blackish with golden spots. * They have a black crest on their back with pale green patches. * The middle part of their throat is reddish-orange. * Their tail has seven greenish-yellow and seven black bands.
- Female Lizards:
* Their throat is a buff color, which is a pale yellowish-brown. * They have brown streaks running lengthwise on their throat. * Both their upper and lower lips are light brown with black patches. * Their tail has seven greenish-buff and eight brown bands.
Why This Lizard is Endangered
The Knuckles pygmy lizard is listed as critically endangered. This means it faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild. The main reasons for this are:
- Habitat Loss: The places where these lizards live are shrinking. Their forest homes are being destroyed.
- Logging: Trees are being cut down in their natural habitat. This removes the shelter and food they need to survive.
Protecting the Knuckles Mountain Range is very important. This helps save this unique lizard and its home.
