Atlas dwarf lizard


The Atlas dwarf lizard is the only species in the genus Atlantolacerta, a genus in the wall lizard family, Lacertidae.

Etymology

The specific name, andreanskyi, is in honor of Hungarian botanist Gábor Andreánszky.

Geographic range

A. andreanskyi is endemic to Morocco, where it is restricted to the High Atlas mountain range, at above sea level.

Ecology

Although A. andreanskyi is generally considered to be rare, animals are often well hidden in vegetation and may occur at higher densities than was first assumed. They can be very common in favourable conditions and are found in alpine meadows, scree, amongst boulders, and in areas of thorn cushion vegetation and thickets. They have long hibernation periods.

Reproduction

The females of A. andreanskyi lay three clutches of between one and three eggs per year.

Conservation status

A. andreanskyi does not appear to be threatened, but it does occur in readily accessible areas, most especially by hikers.