Isla San Luis facts for kids
 Isla San Luis
Location in Mexico
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Gulf of California |
| Coordinates | 29°58′17.41″N 114°24′26.30″W / 29.9715028°N 114.4073056°W |
| Highest elevation | 150 m (490 ft) |
| Administration | |
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Mexico
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| State | Baja California |
| Demographics | |
| Population | uninhabited |
Isla San Luis is a small island located in the Gulf of California, which is a large body of water between the Baja California Peninsula and mainland Mexico. This island is found to the east of the Baja California Peninsula. It is part of the San Felipe Municipality in the Mexican state of Baja California.
Isla San Luis is a special place because no people live there. It is an uninhabited island, meaning it is a natural home for many different kinds of plants and animals. The island's highest point is about 150 meters (492 feet) above sea level.
Wildlife of Isla San Luis
Even though no humans live on Isla San Luis, it is home to interesting wildlife, especially reptiles. These animals have adapted to live in the island's environment. Scientists study these creatures to learn more about how they survive in different places.
Reptiles of the Island
Three main types of reptiles have been found living on Isla San Luis:
- Zebra-tailed Lizard (Callisaurus draconoides): This lizard is known for its long, striped tail, which it often wags like a flag. It is very fast and can run quickly across sandy areas. When it stops, it often curls its tail over its back, showing off the black and white stripes. These lizards are common in desert areas and are good at catching insects.
- Desert Iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis): The desert iguana is one of the largest lizards found in the deserts of North America. It has a rounded body and can change its color slightly to blend in with its surroundings. These iguanas mostly eat plants, especially leaves and flowers. They are very good at handling hot temperatures.
- Common Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana): This is a smaller lizard, but it is very common. It gets its name from a dark blotch or spot on its side, just behind its front leg. These lizards are known for having different throat colors (orange, blue, or yellow), which play a role in how they interact with each other, especially during mating season. They eat small insects and spiders.
These reptiles are an important part of the island's ecosystem. They help control insect populations and also serve as food for larger animals that might visit the island, like birds of prey.
