Bolsón night lizard

Bolsón night lizard
Conservation status
Data Deficient  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Xantusiidae
Genus:	Xantusia
Species:	X. bolsonae
Binomial name
Xantusia bolsonae Webb, 1970

The Bolsón night lizard (Xantusia bolsonae) is a species of night lizard described by Webb in 1970. It is endemic to the state of Durango in Mexico. Not much is known about the lizard at present, as it appears to be simultaneously rare and rather secretive in nature.^[1]

Description

The Bolsón night lizard is predictably small, due to its behaviour and habitat. They tend to be around 6 centimetres in bodily length, with a similar tail length proportionate to body size. The body is primarily covered by scales, totalling 50 in the dorsal region, featuring leopard print markings of a dark brown pigment across the back. The species can be distinguished from close relatives through fewer rows of dorsal scales, a decreased number of upper-labials, a lack of dark peppering on the stomach, fewer femoral pores, a narrower head to body ratio and an attainment of reduced eventual size at the end of maturation.^[2]

Distribution and habitat

The species are prevalent in the state of Durango, in particular the area around the township of Pedriceña.^[3]They have also been reported in the nearby Canon San Fernandes protected reserve, and have been observed crossing State Highway 40. The lizard inhabits fissures in adesitic rock outcrops, predominantly within areas dominated by yucca vegetation. Physiographically, the area falls within the boundaries of the Bolsón de Mapimí and the Chihuahuan Desert.^[4]

Population

The population of the species is currently unknown, but the lizard seems to be quite rare. The lack of accurate population data can generally be attributed to the secretive nature of the species, creating issues in regards to collecting and examining specimens. During the initial survey of 1969, researchers located ten male and female individuals including the holotype, and recent coloured photographic evidence from 2007 proves that the species is still extant in the original location of surveyal.^[5]

Threats

The only apparent threat to the lizard is the disturbance of the habitat in which it resides. The habitat is not particularly wide ranging in size, and is concentrated to only a fairly localised area. However, due to a lack of knowledge regarding the species, it is impossible to determine the impacts of habitat encroachment until a later interval.^[6]

References