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Three-keeled mountain lizard

Japalura tricarinata·Agamidae

The three-keeled mountain lizard, scientifically known as Japalura tricarinata, is an agamid lizard species native to Asia. It is distinguished by its three prominent keels on its scales and is found in mountainous regions. The species inhabits cloud forests and is known by several common names, reflecting its appearance and habitat.

Key Facts

  • Endemic to Asia, found in India, Nepal, and Tibet.
  • Commonly referred to as three-keeled mountain lizard, cloud-forest japalura, Sikkimese mountain lizard, and three-keeled forest agama.
  • Belongs to the Agamidae family.
  • Characterized by three keels on its scales.
  • Inhabits cloud forest environments.
Three-keeled mountain lizard
Common Names

Three-Keeled Mountain Lizard, Cloud-Forest Japalura, Sikkimese Mountain Lizard, Three-Keeled Forest Agama

Geographic Distribution

India, Nepal, Tibet

Habitat Type
Physical Description

Distinguished By Three Keels On Its Scales.

About Three-keeled mountain lizard

The three-keeled mountain lizard, scientifically classified as Japalura tricarinata, is a species of agamid lizard native to Asia. It is recognized by its distinctive physical characteristic: the presence of three keels on its scales, which gives it its common name. This species is endemic to a specific geographic range, primarily found in the mountainous regions of India, Nepal, and Tibet, China.

Habitat and Distribution

Japalura tricarinata is specifically known to inhabit cloud forest environments. These are typically moist, high-altitude forests characterized by persistent fog or mist. The lizard's distribution is thus linked to these specific ecological conditions found in the Himalayas and surrounding mountainous areas.

Common Names

Reflecting its appearance and habitat, the three-keeled mountain lizard is known by several common names. These include the descriptive "three-keeled mountain lizard," "cloud-forest japalura," "Sikkimese mountain lizard," and "three-keeled forest agama." These varied names highlight its regional presence and notable physical traits.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name for the three-keeled mountain lizard?

The scientific name for the three-keeled mountain lizard is Japalura tricarinata. This binomial nomenclature is used to classify the species within the scientific community.

Where can the three-keeled mountain lizard be found?

The three-keeled mountain lizard has a geographic range that includes India, Nepal, and Tibet in China. It is endemic to these Asian regions.

What are some common names for Japalura tricarinata?

Besides three-keeled mountain lizard, this species is also known as cloud-forest japalura, Sikkimese mountain lizard, and three-keeled forest agama. These names often reflect its physical features or habitat.

What type of habitat does the three-keeled mountain lizard prefer?

The three-keeled mountain lizard is known to inhabit cloud forests. This type of environment is often found in mountainous regions within its geographic range.