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3/9/2011
Abronia chiszari – “Chiszar's Arboreal Alligator Lizard”
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Animalia – Chordata – Reptilia – Squamata ‐ Anguidae
Number of species in category = 8
Habitat – Forest ‐ Subtropical/Tropical Moist Lowland Assessment – endangered. 
With the continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat, the rare “Chizar’s Arboreal Alligator Lizard” is experiencing significant decreases in its population. It has been rarely seen —
with only three specimens currently known — but it is believed to be more common then thought. 
Ecology – Discovered in 1981, this arboreal species lives in the canopy of both cloud forest and Ecology
Discovered in 1981 this arboreal species lives in the canopy of both cloud forest and
rainforest. They are currently restricted to Santa Marta Volcano on the Sierra de los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico between elevations of 360 to 800 m. All known individuals are in fewer than five locations along this area, with an extent of occurrence less than 5,000 km². The “Chizar’s Arboreal Alligator Lizard” is restricted to living in tall, mature trees and it may not be able to persist in disturbed habitats. Continual deforestation due to agriculture, clear‐cutting, and timber extraction threaten its survival. Adults are about 150 mm in length. Its scales vary in color and range between iris yellow, dark gray, and pale gray (Gonzalo, López‐Luna, Chiszar, and Smith 67‐68). No photography of this species has been officially taken, the above image is another similar Abronia lizard.
Team Name: Animalia‐Chordata
Conservation Plan
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Currently, the “Chizar’s Arboreal Alligator Lizard” is within the area of Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve and protected under Mexican law. Our recommended conservation plan involves various steps taken in the conservation of other Abronia lizards. They include the following steps:
Further study of Abronia chiszari in geographic range and behavior is needed in order to successfully maintain the population and productivity of this species
Captive breeding and reintroduction to the forest will help reduce the stresses the species may experience when left to reproduce in the disturbed habitat. Breeding can also be encouraged on protected lands.
Education of the danger this species is experiencing to the local and indigenous people who can aid in the conservation g
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effort. Many believe Abronia lizards are venomous when they are in actuality harmless, resulting in the killing of many adults.
Protection of the natural habitat from excessive agriculture and other deforestation will not only protect this species, but many others affected by these stresses.
Sources: – Gonzalo, Pérez‐Higareda, Marco A. López‐Luna, David Chiszar, and Hobart M Smith. "Additions to and Notes on the Herpetofauna of Veracruz, Mexico." Bull. Chicago Herp. Soc. 37.4 (2002): 67‐68. Web. 8 Mar 2011.
– http://projectabronia.com/home.html
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