National Parks/ Sanctuaries
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Common Names
abronia meledona
Regions
Guatemala
Population
1,000
Habitat
cloud forests between 2, 200 and 2, 660 meters
Weight(in lbs) and Life Span
30 to 50 grams and 10-15 years in the wild
Regions
Guatemala
Abronia meledona, or the Torre de Guatel Arboreal Alligator Lizard, is a rare and strikingly beautiful species native to the montane cloud forests of southeastern Guatemala. It is characterized by vibrant green scales with bold black mottling, a prehensile tail for climbing, and distinctive spinelike supra-auricular scales. Arboreal and insectivorous, this medium-sized lizard plays a vital role in its ecosystem but faces significant threats from deforestation, climate change, and the illegal pet trade. First described in 1999, A. meledona is an emblem of Guatemala's rich biodiversity and underscores the urgent need for conservation to protect its fragile cloud forest habitat.
Activity Instructions
- Draw the Animal: Use the next page to draw a picture of the animal. Use your imagination and make it colorful!
- Write an Essay: Write a short essay about the conservation efforts to save this animal. Here are some questions to guide you:
- Why is this species important in its ecosystem?
- What are the threats it faces, and how can we help?
- What do you find most interesting about this species?
