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Savigny's fringe-fingered lizard facts for kids

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Savigny's fringe-fingered lizard
Lacerta savignye - kop, poten en schubben - 1700-1880 - Print - Iconographia Zoologica - Special Collections University of Amsterdam - UBA01 IZ12400113.tif
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Acanthodactylus
Species:
savignyi
Synonyms
  • Lacerta savignyi
    Audouin, 1809
  • Acanthodactylus savignyi
    A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1839
  • Acanthodactylus vaillanti
    Lataste, 1885
  • Acanthodactylus savignyi
    Boulenger, 1887
  • Acanthodactylus savignyi var. oranensis
    Doumergue, 1901
  • Acanthodactylus savignyi
    — Boulenger, 1918
  • Acanthodactylus savignyi
    — Salvador, 1982

The Savigny's fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus savignyi) is a special type of lizard. It belongs to the family called Lacertidae. This lizard is found only in western North Africa, meaning it is endemic to that area. It's known for its unique "fringed" toes, which help it move easily in sandy places!

Why is it Called Savigny's Lizard?

This lizard gets its name from a French scientist named Marie Jules César Savigny. He was a zoologist, which means he studied animals. The specific name, savignyi, and the common name, Savigny's fringe-fingered lizard, are both in his honor.

Where Does This Lizard Live?

Acanthodactylus savignyi is mostly found in the country of Algeria. It might also live in Morocco, but scientists are still studying this.

What Kind of Home Does it Like?

Savigny's fringe-fingered lizard likes to live in certain natural habitats. These include areas with temperate shrubland, which are places with many small bushes and shrubs. It also enjoys Mediterranean-type shrubby areas and sandy shores, like beaches or dunes.

How Does This Lizard Reproduce?

Savigny's fringe-fingered lizard is oviparous. This means that the female lizard lays eggs, and the baby lizards hatch from these eggs.

Why is This Lizard Important to Protect?

The Savigny's fringe-fingered lizard is currently considered "Near Threatened." This means it could be at risk of disappearing in the future. The biggest danger to this lizard is habitat loss. This happens when its natural home is destroyed or changed by human activities, like building or farming. Protecting its habitat is important to help these unique lizards survive.

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