Gallotia bravoana
The La Gomera giant lizard (Gallotia bravoana) is a critically endangered lacertid species native to La Gomera in the Canary Islands. It is distinguished by a striking white coloration on its neck, chest, and around its mouth, contrasting sharply with its dark brown back. This diurnal and primarily herbivorous lizard can grow up to half a meter in length and lays a single clutch of three to seven eggs annually.
Key Facts
- ›Rediscovered in 1999 after being presumed extinct.
- ›Known from only two inaccessible cliff locations.
- ›Population trend has been increasing since 2001.
- ›Primarily herbivorous, feeding on sparse vegetation.
- ›Females lay an average of 3-7 eggs per clutch annually.
- ›Listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List.
La Gomera Giant Lizard
La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain
Dry Cliffs With Sparse Vegetation, Parque Rural De Valle Gran Rey
- Up To Half A Metre Long .
- Intense White Coloration On Neck, Chest, and Around the Mouth.
- Dark Brown Back.
- Distinguishable From Other Gallotia Members By Its Coloration.
Mostly Herbivorous, Sparse Vegetation
Diurnal
Feral Cats, Rats
Predation By Feral Cats, Rock Falls, Overgrazing, Hunting
About Gallotia bravoana
The La Gomera Giant Lizard: A Critically Endangered Survivor
The La Gomera giant lizard, scientifically known as Gallotia bravoana, is a remarkable lacertid species endemic to the island of La Gomera in Spain's Canary Islands. This species is easily distinguished by its striking appearance: a dark brown back is dramatically contrasted by intense white coloration adorning its neck, chest, and the area surrounding its mouth. Growing up to half a meter in head and body length, it is primarily a diurnal and herbivorous reptile.
Rediscovery and Conservation Challenges
Once thought to be extinct, with records disappearing after the 19th century, the La Gomera giant lizard was rediscovered in 1999 from subfossil remains and then by biologists who found only six living individuals. Its population trend has seen an increase since 2001, but the species remains critically endangered. The current wild population is estimated at around 90 individuals, supplemented by a captive stock of approximately 44 animals. The lizard's habitat is now severely restricted to two inaccessible cliff faces, covering less than a hectare, a stark reduction from its presumed historical range across much of La Gomera.
Threats and Recovery Efforts
The historical decline of the La Gomera giant lizard was attributed to factors such as overgrazing, hunting, and predation by introduced animals like feral cats and rats. Today, the primary threats persist, with feral cat predation and rock falls within its limited range posing significant risks. The species is protected by international legislation, and a dedicated recovery plan is in place. A captive breeding program has been established on La Gomera to bolster numbers and facilitate potential reintroductions, alongside crucial efforts to control feral cat populations near the lizard's sensitive habitat.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the La Gomera giant lizard distinctive?
The La Gomera giant lizard is easily recognizable by the intense white coloration on its neck, chest, and the area around its mouth. This contrasts sharply with its dark brown back, making it stand out from other Gallotia species.
When was the La Gomera giant lizard rediscovered?
The species was originally described from subfossil remains and presumed extinct. Spanish biologists rediscovered living individuals in 1999, finding only six at that time.
What is the current population status of the La Gomera giant lizard?
As of 2004, there were approximately 90 individuals remaining in the wild, alongside a captive population of about 44 animals. While the population trend has been increasing since 2001, the species remains critically endangered.
Where does the La Gomera giant lizard live?
Its current range is extremely restricted, encompassing less than one hectare on two separate, inaccessible cliffs near Valle Gran Rey on La Gomera. Historically, it is thought to have inhabited a much wider range across the island.
What are the main threats to the La Gomera giant lizard?
Historically, overgrazing, hunting, and predation by feral cats and rats caused its decline. Currently, the primary threats are predation by feral cats and the risk of rock falls within its limited habitat.
What is being done to conserve the La Gomera giant lizard?
The species is protected by international legislation, and a recovery plan is in place. A captive breeding program has been established on La Gomera to increase its numbers, and efforts are underway to control feral cat populations in its vicinity.
Related Lizards
La Gomera giant lizard
The La Gomera giant lizard (Gallotia bravoana) is a critically endangered lacertid species native to the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands. It is distinguished by its intense white coloration on its neck, chest, and around its mouth, contrasting sharply with its dark brown back. This diurnal and primarily herbivorous lizard can grow up to half a meter long and lays a single clutch of three to seven eggs annually, with its population showing an increasing trend since 2001.
Lilford's wall lizard
Lilford's wall lizard is a species endemic to the Gymnesian Islands of Spain, known for its robust, streamlined body and smooth scales. Originally found on the larger islands of Mallorca and Menorca, it has since been confined to numerous smaller, uninhabited islets due to the introduction of alien species. This lizard plays a role in pollinating several endemic plants and is characterized by its relative tameness and varied coloration.
Podarcis pityusensis
The Ibiza wall lizard (Podarcis pityusensis) is a species native to the Balearic Islands, primarily Ibiza and Formentera. This lizard is characterized by its green, grey, or brownish dorsal surface, a pale dorso-lateral stripe, and a robust body with coarse scales. It inhabits a variety of environments, including rocky shores, gardens, and urban areas, and its population is currently listed as endangered due to invasive snake species.