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Spinytail Lizard
The genus ''Cordylus'' (Sauria: Cordylidae) includes a wide variety of species of small to medium spiny lizards from Africa, collectively called girdle-tailed lizards or girdled lizards. All are diurnal and ovoviviparous (live-bearing, without shelled eggs). Most species are rupicolous (rock-dwelling), while a few species are arboreal or live in burrows. They defend themselves with osteoderms (flat bony plates in the skin) and by quickly retreating into rock crevices or burrows. Many species live in groups, and males defend territories. Cordylids are generally listed under CITES Appendix II. They are not necessarily threatened with extinction, but trade is controlled to prevent overexploitation. Some species of ''Cordylus'' have limited ranges and may be threatened with habitat destruction or over collecting for the pet trade. Classification Broadley (2006) recognized 47 species in the genus ''Cordylus'', including eight species originally placed in the genus '' Pseudocordylus'' ( ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Cordylus Tropidosternum
The East African armadillo lizard, dwarf sungazer, or tropical girdled lizard (''Cordylus tropidosternum'') is a species of arboreal or rupicolous (rock-dwelling) lizard endemic to East Africa. Habitat The preferred habitat of the East African armadillo lizard is dry forests. Geographic range ''C. tropidosternum'' ranges from the southern Kenya through Tanzania and Malawi to southern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, northeast Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Behavior Dwarf sungazers are diurnal. They lay down fat reserves in preparation for the dry season. Description Tropical girdled lizards are brown above with dark brown and cream spots or thin dark bands. A conspicuous black stripe runs along each side of the neck from the ear to the shoulder. The lips, throat, and belly are cream. The tail is very spiny. Adults are in total length (including tail). Males have slightly wider heads than females (The length of a male's head is about 1.25 times the width, whereas the l ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Hemicordylus
''Hemicordylus'', the false girdled lizards, is a genus comprising two lizard species endemic to the Cape Fold Belt of southern South Africa. Description Their maximum snout-to-vent length is about 76 mm. They have gracile features, with a phenotype which is described as intermediate between typical ''Cordylus'' and the larger, more robust '' Pseudocordylus''. They have long limbs, and long slender digits. Some populations are melanistic and sexually dichromatic.''Hemicordylus'' resurrected: The melanistic populations have been shown to be ecotypes rather than relics in the related genus ''Karusasaurus''. Habits Their specialized adaptation to steep rock faces, is believed to have favoured their agility and lightly armored anatomy.Eifler et al., 2007; Janse van Rensburg, 2009; Janse van Rensburg et al., 2009 They give live birth to 1–3 young. Species * ''Hemicordylus capensis'' – false girdled lizard * ''Hemicordylus nebulosus ''Hemicordylus nebulosus'' is a spec ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
