Ratas Island lizard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Podarcis lilfordi rodriquezi |
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| Conservation status | |
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Extinct (1950)
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Lacertidae |
| Genus: | Podarcis |
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| Subspecies: |
†P. l. rodriquezi
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| Trinomial name | |
| Podarcis lilfordi rodriquezi (Müller, 1927)
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The Ratas Island lizard (scientific name: Podarcis lilfordi rodriquezi) was a special kind of Lilford's wall lizard. It used to live only on Ratas Island. This was a very small, rocky island. It was located in the bay of Mahón, which is in Menorca, Spain. Sadly, this lizard is now extinct.
What Happened to the Ratas Island Lizard?
Ratas Island was the only home for these lizards. But the island was destroyed. This happened when the port of Mahón was rebuilt. The last time anyone saw a Ratas Island lizard was in 1950. After that, it was believed to be extinct. This means there are no more of these lizards alive today.
Where Can We See Them Now?
Even though they are extinct, we can still learn about them. Four examples of this European lizard are kept safe. They are in museum collections. Scientists study these specimens to understand more about the lizards. They also learn about why they disappeared.
See also
