Gallotia atlantica
Gallotia atlantica·Lacertidae
The Atlantic lizard (Gallotia atlantica) is a species of lizard belonging to the Lacertidae family. Endemic to the eastern Canary Islands, including Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, this lizard inhabits a variety of temperate and Mediterranean environments.
Key Facts
- ›Native to the eastern Canary Islands: Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
- ›Inhabits diverse natural and anthropogenic environments.
- ›Belongs to the family Lacertidae.
- ›Found in temperate forests, shrublands, and rocky areas.
- ›Also found in coastal zones and agricultural or garden settings.
Atlantic Lizard
Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Eastern Canary Islands
About Gallotia atlantica
What is Gallotia atlantica?
The Atlantic lizard, scientifically known as Gallotia atlantica, is a species of lizard belonging to the family Lacertidae. This species is exclusively found in the eastern Canary Islands, with its natural range encompassing Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, as well as the smaller surrounding islets.
Habitat and Distribution
Gallotia atlantica demonstrates a remarkable adaptability to a wide array of environments. Its natural habitats include temperate forests, temperate shrubland, and areas characterized by Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation. The lizard is also commonly found in rocky terrains, along both rocky and sandy shores, and in human-influenced landscapes such as arable land, pastureland, and rural gardens. This broad habitat preference allows it to thrive across the diverse geographical features of its endemic islands.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name for the Atlantic lizard?
The scientific name for the Atlantic lizard is Gallotia atlantica.
Where is the Atlantic lizard found?
The Atlantic lizard is endemic to the eastern Canary Islands, specifically Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, along with the smaller islands surrounding them.
What types of habitats does the Atlantic lizard prefer?
This lizard thrives in a variety of habitats, including temperate forests, shrublands, Mediterranean vegetation, rocky areas, rocky and sandy shores, arable land, pastureland, and even rural gardens.
Which family does the Atlantic lizard belong to?
The Atlantic lizard is a member of the Lacertidae family, which includes many species of agile lizards.
Related Lizards
Chalcides striatus
The western three-toed skink (Chalcides striatus) is a lizard found in the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, and northwestern Italy. It superficially resembles a snake due to its tiny limbs, but possesses smooth, glossy skin with a silvery or bronze coloration marked by longitudinal dark lines. This secretive species inhabits damp, sunny areas with dense low vegetation and feeds on invertebrates.
Chalcides viridanus
The West Canary skink, scientifically known as Chalcides viridanus, is a species of lizard endemic to the Canary Islands. This skink inhabits a diverse range of environments, from temperate forests and grasslands to urban areas, and can be found at elevations up to 2,000 meters. It is characterized by its cylindrical body and can reach a total length of approximately 18 cm.
East Canary gecko
The East Canary gecko, also known as the Canary wall gecko (Tarentola angustimentalis), is a species of lizard native to the eastern Canary Islands. This plump, dorsally flattened gecko is characterized by adhesive toe pads, small tubercles on its skin, and variable greyish-brown coloration with darker bars. It inhabits a wide range of environments, from rocky shores and shrubland to urban areas, and is commonly observed at night on walls and ceilings.