Acanthodactylus mechriguensis
| Acanthodactylus mechriguensis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Sauria |
| Infraorder: | Scincomorpha |
| Family: | Lacertidae |
| Genus: | Acanthodactylus |
| Species: | A. mechriguensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Acanthodactylus mechriguensis M.S. Nouira & C.P. Blanc, 1999[2] | |
Acanthodactylus mechriguensis, the Tunisian fringe-fingered lizard, is a species of lizard in the Lacertidae family. It is endemic to Tunisia.
Taxonomy
Some researchers do not consider A. mechriguensis to be a valid species, but instead a synonym of Acanthodactylus maculatus.[3][4]
Distribution and habitat
The species appears to occur only at sea level, being known only from four localities on northern Tunisia beaches. It inhabits dunes with shrub and dry riverbeds.[1]
Conservation status
Due to its very restricted distribution and small population size, A. mechringuensis is currently classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Its dune habitat is subject to disturbance by locals, and the development of a new port at one location and of greenhouse installations at another two has also affected the population.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 Nouira, S. & Geniez, P. (2006). "Acanthodactylus mechriguensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN) 2006: e.T61459A12471115. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
- ↑ Nouria, S.; Blanc, C.P. (1999). "Description d'une nouvelle espèce d'acanthodactyle en Tunisie: Acanthodactylus mechriguensis n. sp. (Sauria: Reptilia)". Atti Mem. Ente Fauna Siciliana 5: 103–110.
- ↑ Fonseca, MM; Brito, JC; Rebelo, H; Kalboussi, M; Larbes, S; Carretero, MA; Harris, DJ (2008). "Genetic variation among spiny-footed lizards in the Acanthodactylus pardalis group from North Africa". African Zoology 43 (1): 8–15.
- ↑ Sindaco, R; Jeremčenko, VK (2008). The Reptiles of the Western Palearctic: 1. Annotated checklist and distributional atlas of the turtles, crocodiles, amphisbaenians and lizards of Europe, North Africa, Middle East and Central Asia. Latina, Edizioni Belvedere. p. 579. ISBN 978-8889504147.