Liolaemus chiliensis

Liolaemus chiliensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Squamata
Suborder:Iguania
Family:Liolaemidae
Genus:Liolaemus
Species: L. chiliensis
Binomial name
Liolaemus chiliensis

Liolaemus chiliensis (Chilean tree iguana) is a species of lizard in the family Iguanidae. It is endemic to Chile and southwestern Neuquen Province, Argentina.

It occurs in open forests and ecotonal scrublands or scrub-steppes, chiefly in the Chilean Matorral ecoregion.[1]

Description

The Chilean tree iguana is a relatively large-sized lizard, reaching 25 cm (9.8 in) in total length. It is an oviparous species, and feeds mainly of insects and other invertebrates.[2]

This species is sometimes kept as a pet,[3] although such a practise violates conservation biology principles, since this species has such a limited range, and is thus vulnerable to habitat disruption and population declines.

References

  1. C. Michael Hogan & World Wildlife Fund. 2013. Chilean matorral. ed. M.McGinley. Encyclopedia of Earth. National Council for Science and the Environment. Washington DC
  2. http://www.atlasherpetozoos.cl/Reptiles/LChiliensis.html
  3. Herman A.J. in den Bosch. "How to keep lacertids: Liolaemus". Podarcis. Retrieved 2012-09-19.


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