Gran Canaria Giant Lizard

Gran Canaria giant lizard ( Gallotia stehlini )

The Gran Canaria giant lizard ( Gallotia stehlini ) is a species of lizard of the family Lacertidae.

Features

The Gran Canaria giant lizard reaches a total length of more than 80 centimeters, making it the largest extant species in the genus Gallotia. The males reach a head -body length up to 26.5 inches, the females remain slightly smaller with up to 20 centimeters. The head is massive. He is clearly separated from the narrower neck and acts triangular due to the swollen cheeks from above and below. The basic color of the top is both males and females dark red - brown or gray. In many instances irregular and lighter transverse bands are present on the back and flanks. The color of the top of the head and upper back are often very dark to black. In contrast to this, the throats and cheeks are bright and orange to flesh colored in adult animals. This coloration is especially pronounced in males. The underparts are whitish - gray to flesh colored and often arched dark. On the throat are often V-shaped and open to the rear drawings available.

The body top of pups is olive brown. At the transition from the back to the sides and on the lower flanks along two longitudinal white stripes are present on each side. This can be often resolved in patches. The body underside is whitish and has gray and open back V-shaped figures on the throat.

System

We distinguish between no subspecies.

Occurrence

The Gran Canaria giant lizard was originally only available on the Canary Island of Gran Canaria. On Fuerteventura, she was in two places, Puerto del Rosario and Barranco de la Torre introduced.

In Gran Canaria, it is found from sea level to 1,900 meters in height. It will be there as well populated as all occurring habitats. The species is absent only in the south of the island near Maspalomas in the vegetation-free dunes. In the interior it is less numerous in the areas dominated by forest. Most often the animals are in anthropogenic habitats such as agricultural land (eg with bananas or tomatoes), walls, rubble and rock piles and landfills.

Way of life

While the species in the south of Gran Canaria is probably active all year round, it should be noted a significantly decreased activity in the north and in the higher mountain areas during the cooler months. Here at least a portion of the stock seems to hold a winter rest.

Females buried 4 to 16 eggs in June / July. These are 23 to 29 millimeters long and 14 to 18 millimeters wide.

The Gran Canaria giant lizard feeds on plant and from animal food. Plants seem to predominate as food but. The animals have a preference, which is why they are considered pests in the local population and will be prosecuted accordingly for sweet, overripe fruits and tomatoes. Predators are probably Kestrel, Raven, Buzzard and other birds, as well as cats and dogs.

The species has the loudest and deepest voice within the genus Gallotia. While juveniles cheep give adult animals creaking noises. According to observations in captivity, the animals give Troubleshooting partly terrifying sounds. These threats also are shown. In these the head is raised, the groove base baggy cut down and the mouth open. How far open the mouth is determined the amount to be paid by yourself sounds. So it is only slightly for high tones, contrast wide open for deep rumble. In the field, calls could also be heard in the late evening of the species.

Documents

• Dieter Glandt: Pocket Encyclopaedia of amphibians and reptiles in Europe. Quelle & Meyer Verlag, Wiebelsheim 2010, ISBN 978-3-494-01470-8, pp. 361-363.