- The lizard in Mexico
- Where does the lizard live? Habitat
- Geography
- Weather
- Ground
- Adaptations
- Camouflage
- References
The lizard is adapted to living in warm or temperate areas. There are many species, although they all agree on two basic needs: to have access to the sun's rays to be able to warm up and to have places to hide and protect themselves from predators.
The most common are usually found in rocky areas, although it is also easy to see them among the bushes, grasslands, low forests or in cities.
When the temperature drops, the lizard takes shelter until conditions improve. They do not like to live in cold climates, in fact, it is very unlikely to see them in high mountain areas.
The lizard in Mexico
In Mexico there is the largest variety of species of lizards; about 417 species. The Phrynosomatidae family is the most abundant, although there are many well known as the blood-weeping. In the Laguna de Coahuila and Durango region is where the most endemic lizards are concentrated.
In tropical areas we can find arboreal lizards, where those of the genus Anolis abound. As endemic species of this area are those that belong to the Bipedidae family, among others.
In Mexico there are many species of these reptiles in danger of extinction due to climate change. The continuous changes in their habitat significantly interfere with their development and proliferation.
It must be said that 12% of the species in Mexico have already disappeared, and there is a high percentage that are in danger of extinction.
Where does the lizard live? Habitat
There are more than 2000 kinds of lizards around the world. Many families live in different habitats, although they all have some characteristics in common.
The feeding of a lizard consists of eating insects or any small animal such as worms, butterflies or ants.
Geography
Lizards can be found in any ecosystem except those with cold climates.
Weather
The climate where these reptiles are found is usually temperate most of the year. These climates include tropical forests, subtropics, or even deserts.
Ground
They can be found in a variety of different terrains, rocky, sandy, in trees, or between bushes in low forests.
Adaptations
There are lizards that have been able to develop adaptations to survive in their habitat. Tree-dwelling lizards, like the flying lizard, for example, have developed tiny hair-like scales. This makes it easier for them to grip logs, rocks, and even house walls.
Camouflage
It is also possible to find lizards with a series of colors that allow them to camouflage themselves in their habitat. An example would be the lizard with the leaf-shaped tail. Its color is very similar to that of the bark of a tree, which allows it to hunt better and protect itself against possible predators.
There are also chameleon lizards, which are capable of varying the color of their skin in order to integrate into the environment in which they live.
References
- IN Arnold, JA Burton (1978). A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Britain and Europe.
- Vercken, E., Sinervo B., Clobert, J. 2012. The Importance of a good neighborhood: dispersal decisions in juvenile common lizards are based on social environment. Behavioral Ecology 23 (5) 1059-1067.
- A. Agasyan; et al. (2010). "Zootoca vivipara". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
- Harris, DJ and MA Carretero. (2003). Comments on the taxonomic value of (sub) generates within the family Lacertidae (Reptilia). Amphibia-Reptilia 24 119-22.