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.

Liolaemus chiliensis

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Liolaemidae
Genus: Liolaemus
Species:
L. chiliensis
Binomial name
Liolaemus chiliensis

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. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-12-02. Retrieved 2013-11-26.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. Herman A.J. in den Bosch. "How to keep lacertids: Liolaemus". Podarcis. Retrieved 2012-09-19.


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