Tenerife speckled lizard
The Tenerife speckled lizard (Gallotia intermedia) is a small lacertid species endemic to the Canary Island of Tenerife. Discovered in 1996, it is now found in only two small, isolated areas on the island. This lizard is notable for being the smallest member of a group that also includes giant species from the western Canary Islands.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the Canary Island of Tenerife.
- ›Discovered relatively recently in 1996.
- ›Found in two isolated areas: Macizo de Teno and Montana de Guaza.
- ›It is the smallest member of the clade containing western islands' giant species.
- ›Threatened by predation from feral cats and rats.
- ›Population numbers have been increasing due to control of introduced mammals.
Tenerife Speckled Lizard
Tenerife, Canary Islands
- Smallest Member of the Clade Containing Western Islands' Giant Species.
Feral Cats, Rats
Predation By Feral Cats, Predation By Rats
About Tenerife speckled lizard
The Tenerife speckled lizard, scientifically designated as Gallotia intermedia, is a species of lacertid, commonly known as a wall lizard, that is native and endemic to the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands archipelago. This lizard holds a notable position as the smallest member within a specific evolutionary group that also includes the larger, giant lizard species found on the western Canary Islands.
Discovery and Distribution
The species was first identified and described in 1996 by the biologist Efraín Hernández. Its discovery took place in the Macizo de Teno, a rugged area situated in the northwestern part of Tenerife. While historical evidence suggests that the Tenerife speckled lizard may have once been distributed more broadly across the island, its current known range is highly restricted. Today, it is found in only two small, isolated locations: a limited stretch of coastline in the westernmost part of the island and an area known as Montana de Guaza in the south.
Population and Conservation
Estimates from 2008 indicated a total population of approximately 500 individuals in the northwestern distribution area, spread across 40 separate populations along roughly 9 kilometers of coastline. In the southern region, the population is estimated to be around 100 animals. The primary threats to the survival of this lizard are predation by introduced feral cats and, to a lesser extent, by rats. Fortunately, conservation efforts, particularly the control of these invasive mammals, have led to an increase in the lizard's numbers since the beginning of the 21st century.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tenerife speckled lizard?
The Tenerife speckled lizard, scientifically known as Gallotia intermedia, is a type of wall lizard that is native exclusively to the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Despite its name, it is a relatively small species, particularly when compared to other lizards found on the western Canary Islands.
When and where was the Tenerife speckled lizard discovered?
This species was discovered in 1996 by biologist Efraín Hernández. Its discovery occurred in the Macizo de Teno, a region located in the extreme northwest of Tenerife.
Where can the Tenerife speckled lizard be found today?
Once believed to be more widespread, the Tenerife speckled lizard is now known to inhabit only two small, isolated areas. These are a limited stretch of coastline in the extreme west of the island and a location called Montana de Guaza in the south.
What are the main threats to the Tenerife speckled lizard?
The primary threat to the survival of the Tenerife speckled lizard is predation by introduced feral cats. Rats also pose a lesser, but still significant, threat to the species. Conservation efforts have focused on controlling these introduced mammals.
Is the population of Tenerife speckled lizards increasing?
Yes, the population of the Tenerife speckled lizard has been showing an increase since the turn of the century. This positive trend is a direct result of successful control measures implemented against introduced mammals, which have reduced predation pressure on the lizards.
Related Lizards
Gallotia intermedia
The Tenerife speckled lizard (Gallotia intermedia) is a small lacertid lizard endemic to the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Discovered in 1996, it is the smallest member of a clade that includes larger giant species. Its populations are currently restricted to small coastal areas in the northwest and a location in the south of the island, with conservation efforts focused on controlling introduced predators.
Chalcides sexlineatus
The Gran Canaria skink (Chalcides sexlineatus) is a species of skink endemic to the island of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. This lizard is characterized by its flattened body, wide head, and distinctive striping patterns, with variations between subspecies. It inhabits a wide range of environments across the island.
Common wall gecko
The common wall gecko, scientifically known as Tarentola mauritanica, is a robust gecko species native to the western Mediterranean region of North Africa and Europe. Characterized by enlarged, tubercules that give it a spiny, armored appearance, this nocturnal insectivore is frequently observed on walls in urban and coastal areas. It has a long history of cohabitation with humans, particularly in Spain, where it acts as an insect hunter.