Alligator lizards are endangered reptiles native to the Mexican states of Veracruz and Pueblo. These bright blue-green lizards live in trees and eat insects.

Physical Description

Alligator lizards range from teal blue to deep green with pale yellow bellies and a yellow ring around each eye. Males tend to be more vibrant than females, while juveniles are paler and marked with dark, lateral stripes.

The alligator lizard has a triangular head and a prehensile tail that helps them climb and navigate through treetops.

Size

This species can grow up to about 9.8 inches (25 centimeters) long.

Native Habitat

These lizards are native to the Mexican states of Veracruz and Pueblo.  They are arboreal, meaning they live in trees, and are most commonly found 130 feet (40 meters) above the forest floor. 

Their preferred habitat is the humid canopy of cloud forests, among bromeliads and dense vegetation. Alligator lizards are typically found at elevations of 4,500-9,000 feet (1,350-2,740 meters).

Lifespan

They can live up to 10 years.

Food/Eating Habits

Alligator lizards eat insects.

Sleep Habits

Alligator lizards are diurnal, which means they are most active during the day.

Reproduction and Development

Alligator lizards are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. They can give birth to a single litter of seven to 12 offspring each year. 

Breeding typically occurs in the fall and young are born between April and June, after six to eight months of gestation.

Conservation Efforts

The destruction of cloud forests poses the greatest threat to alligator lizards, and the growing demand for agriculture drives deforestation within their habitat. The pet trade is also considered a threat to this species.

These lizards can be found in two protected areas within their natural range and have been given special protection under Mexican law. Other species within the Abronia genus are also at risk as a result of habitat destruction due to their restricted range. Because of this, they are considered some of the planet's most threatened lizard species.

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