Sauromalus slevini

Sauromalus slevini

Monserrat chuckwalla, Slevin's chuckwalla

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SPECIES
Sauromalus slevini

Sauromalus slevini, also known as the Monserrat chuckwalla or Slevin's chuckwalla, is a species of chuckwalla belonging to the family Iguanidae. S. slevini is native to three small islands in the Sea of Cortés.

Appearance

S. slevini has the following coloration. The base color on its back is brown or olive green, with a yellow middorsal band, but can be spotted, marbled, or cross-banded with red or darker brown. The head, tail, and limbs are unicolor, and the tail may be faintly cross-banded with darker brown. The ventral surfaces are dull brown, marbled or spotted with dark brown, especially on the throat.

Distribution

Geography

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S. slevini is found on three islands in the Sea of Cortés: Isla del Carmen, Isla Coronados, and Isla Monserrate. It can be found at altitudes from sea level to 489 m (1,604 ft).

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The Montserrat chuckwalla prefers dwelling in lava flows and rocky areas with nooks and crannies available for a retreat when threatened. These areas are typically vegetated by creosote bush and cholla cacti, which form the staple of its diet as the chuckwalla is primarily herbivorous. The chuckwalla also feeds on leaves, fruit and flowers of annuals, perennial plants, and even weeds; insects represent a supplementary prey if eaten at all.

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Mating Habits

S. slevini is oviparous.

Population

Population number

Due to its restricted range S. slevinii is a CITES protected animal.

References

1. Sauromalus slevini Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sauromalus_slevini
2. Sauromalus slevini on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/174484/1414913

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