Chalcides colosii
Chalcides colosii, also known as the Riffian skink, is a moderate-sized lizard native to Morocco and some Spanish territories in northwestern Africa. Distinguished from similar species by its lack of ocelli and dark lateral bands, it inhabits semi-arid to sub-humid rocky areas, stone heaps, slopes with loose soil and grass cover, and coastal sand dunes. Females of this viviparous species give birth to live young.
Key Facts
- ›Native to Morocco and Spanish territories in northwestern Africa.
- ›Distinguished by dark lateral bands and a lack of ocelli.
- ›Inhabits rocky areas, stone heaps, grassy slopes, and coastal dunes.
- ›Females are viviparous, giving birth to live young.
- ›Considered Least Concern by the IUCN due to extensive habitat despite a limited range.
Riffian Skink, Colosi's Cylindrical Skink
Morocco, Ceuta, Melilla, Isla De Tierra
Semi-Arid, Sub-Humid, Rocky Areas, Stone Heaps, Slopes With Loose Soil, Partial Grass Cover, Coastal Sand Dunes, Grassland
- Moderate-Sized Lizard.
- Adult Size Generally Between 6 and 12 cm Snout-To-Vent Length .
- Possesses A Moderately Dark Lateral Band In the Center of Its Back.
- This Dark Band Is Bordered On Either Side By Two Darker Bands.
- the Remainder of the Body Has A Solid Light Color.
- Distinguished By Its Lack of Ocelli and Its Dark Lateral Bands, Unlike the Ocellated Skink.
Tourism, Agricultural Development
About Chalcides colosii
Chalcides colosii: The Riffian Skink
Chalcides colosii, commonly known as the Riffian skink or Colosi's cylindrical skink, is a species of lizard belonging to the Scincidae family. This moderate-sized reptile is native to the northwestern African regions of Morocco and Spanish territories such as Ceuta, Melilla, and Isla de Tierra. It was named in honor of Giuseppe Colosi, a former director of the Zoological Institute of the University of Florence. Historically, it has sometimes been classified as a subspecies of Chalcides ocellatus.
Physical Characteristics and Habitat
The Riffian skink is distinguished from its relatives, like the ocellated skink (C. ocellatus), by the absence of ocelli (eyespots) and the presence of dark lateral bands along its back. Its adult size typically ranges between 6 and 12 centimeters in snout-to-vent length. The coloration features a central dark lateral band bordered by two darker bands, with the rest of the body being a solid light color. This species thrives in semi-arid to sub-humid environments, often found in rocky areas, including stone heaps and slopes with loose soil and partial grass cover. They are also observed in coastal sand dunes and grasslands, and can be found up to an altitude of 1,500 meters.
Reproduction and Conservation
Chalcides colosii exhibits viviparity, meaning females give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. The population of the Riffian skink is believed to be slowly declining, though it is not currently facing severe threats. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified it as Least Concern. This designation is based on its extensive habitat, despite having a range of less than 20,000 square kilometers, and the presumption of a large population. Potential threats that could impact the species include increased tourism and agricultural development in its habitat.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common names for Chalcides colosii?
Chalcides colosii is commonly known as the Riffian skink and Colosi's cylindrical skink. These names help distinguish it from other similar lizard species.
Where is the Riffian skink found?
The Riffian skink is native to Morocco and some Spanish territories in northwestern Africa, including Ceuta, Melilla, and Isla de Tierra.
What are the distinguishing physical features of Chalcides colosii?
Chalcides colosii can be identified by its dark lateral bands and the absence of ocelli, which are present in the similar ocellated skink. The rest of its body is a solid light color.
What type of habitat does Chalcides colosii prefer?
This species prefers semi-arid or sub-humid areas, commonly found in rocky environments such as stone heaps or slopes with loose soil and partial grass cover. They can also be found near coastal sand dunes and grassland.
How does Chalcides colosii reproduce?
Chalcides colosii is viviparous, meaning the females give birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
What is the conservation status of the Riffian skink?
The IUCN classifies Chalcides colosii as Least Concern. While its range is less than 20,000 km², its habitat is extensive and not severely threatened, and it is presumed to have a large population.
Are there any threats to the Riffian skink population?
Possible threats to Chalcides colosii include tourism and agricultural development. However, these are not considered major threats at present, contributing to its Least Concern status.
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