Endemism

Endemic species are unique to a geographical location and not found anywhere else in the world. This makes such species extremely important to understand and conserve because they are only found in one specific area on the entire Earth. Endemic species generally have very important ecological roles to have evolved and lasted so long in a certain area.

Location

These lizards are located in a very small region of Guatemala.

Guatemala is considered the fifth biodiversity hotspot in the world and has the highest rate of endemism in the world.
It is of the utmost importance to protect everything that lives in this extremely unique area.

This endemic species is restricted to only about 400km².

This extremely tiny distribution area makes conservation of this species of the utmost importance.

Habitat

These lizards live in Pine Oak Forests and Lower Montane Forests in the highlands of Gutemala.

Their elevation range is from 2,000-2,660 meters (6,561-8,727 feet).

Threats

• Main Threat: Agricultural deforestation.

What small habitat areas that do exist for this species are being deforested and torn down for agricultural purposes. This is leading to habitat fragmentation and degradation on a large scale.

Habitat fragmentation creates even less of a viable habitat space for these lizards to live, run, breed and play within.

• Black Market Trading: 

Due to the rarity of this species they are of very high value for black market traders.

This is an example of the lengths smugglers will go to for high commodity species:

Lizard Smuggling

Conservation Efforts

There are currently only local conservation in this area.

Here is one of the many hardworking local groups: 

Cloud Forest Conservation

What's Needed

SCIENCE!

There are no protected areas for this species.

Much research is much needed to better understand this species and how to protect them.

Why Help?

• The Cope’s Arboreal Alligator Lizard plays an important ecological role and will be a detriment if lost.

• Reptiles serve as predators and prey in their ecosystems and would affect all factors if removed for good.

• Please don’t let this extremely rare and important lizard go extinct! 

Donate now!