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La Gomera Giant Lizard

Gallotia bravoana
It's already really awesome when a species is "rediscovered." Until about ten years ago, most had thought that this large lizard species was extinct. And not only recently extinct, but extinct for about 500 years!

In 2000, Biologists from La Laguna University discovered six specemins hiding out on the cliffs of La Gomera, one of the Canary Islands. Before this finding the species had only been known from fossilized remains.

There are now about 90 wild individuals and 40 in captivity, and species protection plans have been put in to place to keep this rare species alive. Their major threats include habitat loss and feral cats and rats (enemies to many a species!)
IUCN Status :  Critically Endangered
Location : La Gomera, Canary Islands
Size : Full length up to 4ft (1.2m)
Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Reptilia -- Order : Squamata 
Family : Lacertidae -- Genus : Gallotia -- Species : G. bravoana
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Comments

  1. Emma SpringfieldMay 27, 2011 at 7:07 PM

    They are rediscovering a lot of species of animals that were previously listed as extinct. It is an interesting phenomenon.

    ReplyDelete
  2. peterbeesDecember 22, 2013 at 11:18 AM

    I've just come back from a holiday on La Gomera. The Giant Lizard really is a national treasure there.

    ReplyDelete

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