The 12 Rare Lizards Battling to Survive

The 12 Rare Lizards Battling to Survive

From the lush rainforest canopies to the dry desert sands, there is a drama hidden in the farthest reaches of our world, invisible and unheard by our own eyes and ears. Reptiles (especially lizards) are in the midst of an extinction crisis. This means that these creatures that are a wonder of adaptation that have been crawling all over the earth for millions of years, are now fighting a hopeless battle for their existence. Their plight is a clear warning sign about the state of the environment, and their disappearance would be a comprehensive tragedy for the Ecosystem as a whole. Today we spend time learning the stories of twelve of this planet's rarest lizards, where they live and the major threats they confront. 


Heloderma Charlesbogerti

Probably one of the most endangered venomous lizards thought to live today, this species is known only from the arid forests of the Motagua Valley in Guatemala. With a population probably numbering fewer than 200 individuals, it is in serious danger from the destruction of its habitat for agriculture and firewood. Because this is such a poorly understood lizard species, intensive habitat protection and community education programs have been launched to begin changing attitudes towards the species.

Jamaican Iguana 

Extinct in the wild for decades until the small population was rediscovered in 1990, this also known as Cyclura Collei, the great comeback story is far from over. HiRISE project scientists explain that this large terrestrial iguana is threatened by predation from introduced mongooses, cats, and dogs, and by habitat degradation. It is only through intensive management including predator control, and the success of a zoo breeding program, that we have any hope for the species to survive.

Crocodilurus Amazonicus

This half aquatic lizard is falling victim to its own uniqueness in the Amazon. Right now its dragon like appearance and interesting behavior make it (illegally) in high demand in the pet trade. Less talked about than other rare reptiles, this forest dwelling lizard is secretive in its habit of preferring swampy wooded streams that are becoming more and more affected by deforestation.


Shinisaurus Crocodilurus

This large lizard comes from warm streams in southern China and Vietnam, and is often called a living fossil. Its aquatic nature leaves it very vulnerable to water pollution, to dam construction, and to collection for the pet and traditional medicine trades. They have been designated for its protection, but issues of enforcement remain a primary problem.


Round Island Boa 

Technically a boa also know as Casarea Dussumieri, this somewhat intercessional snake lizard (providing a necessary element in reptile variety) is here represented for its ecological significance. It is only found on Round Island and was brought back from extinction by conservationists removing rabbits and goats which were destroying its habitat. The entire group is still a critically endangered species.

Cyclura Pinguis

This can be Found only on the small island of Anegada, life for this iguana is in danger . The primary threats to the ringtail are loss of habitat due to development, and devastating predation of both egg and juveniles by feral cats and dogs. Some conservation measures include head start programs in which hatchlings are raised until they are big enough to survive in safety.


Lygodactylus Williamsi

Perhaps the most graphic example of the effect that the pet trade has, is this stunning, exquisitely colored gecko. Unfortunately, its amazing popularity in the exotic pet trade has helped drive wild populations to zero and it can currently only be found in one small area of kimboza forest in Tanzania, roughly 20 km2 in size. This brilliant blue gem must be strictly protected and captive breeding must be developed to prevent this animal from becoming extinct in the wild.


Shield Tailed Agama

With a crocodile like tail this also known as Xenagama Taylori, this small diurnal lizard from Ethiopia and Somalia is also under threat from habitat deterioration associated with overgrazing by livestock and agricultural encroachment. Ground squirrel is excluded by its limited distribution, as well as by its specific site requirements for burrowing; in short, it is extremely susceptible to a change in the environmental conditions that support population growth.

Ctenosaura Bakeri

The red collared iguana is only found in the mangrove forest on Utila Island, Honduras the habitat of which is itself threatened by tourism development and pollution. As a specialist species it has no ability to adapt to other environments, and, without the protection of its mangrove home, this has no hope for its survival elsewhere.


Phelsuma Quadriocellata

They are an incredibly common species of diurnal gecko but their subspecies from Madagascar is dangerously close to extinction. Such populations, together with the collection of this species for the international pet trade and habitat destruction (deforestation), have made the future of this species questionable. But if we want to help save species like the cockatoo up there, we all need to start thinking about taking responsibility with our pets in a new way.


La Gomera Lizard

Extinct, then rediscovered in 1999, the Canary Island giant has already been labelled as an endangered species by IUCN and is hanging from a thread. With a wild population of fewer than several dozen individuals, this species is in critical danger from feral cats and rats. A successful captive breeding program has resulted in the production of hundreds of individuals for reintroduction and this gives little hope.


Mary River Turtle

It's technically a turtle but we can't tell its story anyway. The cutest, gnarly, leukomelanin addled algae fueled punk rock dog breather through the cloaca is native to Australia's Mary River. Within the wider reptile niche, this species is a reminder of the precarious position that all species occupy as a result of past egg collection for the pet trade and now water quality.

How You Can Help These Rare Lizards

The situation now is hopeless, but not beyond hope. Lizard conservation is worth doing if it would raise awareness and action. Of course, if you have pet reptiles, make sure they are captive bred from reputable breeders and not road kill! Share articles like this. The first step to change is educating people. Their fight for survival is really a contest for ours. We need to educate ourselves about them and their plight and ensure that conservation efforts are made where needed so that we do not lose this mighty species completely for good and allow them to thrive as the magnificent sight they once definitely were for many centuries to come.