Montserrat galliwasp
The Montserrat galliwasp (Diploglossus montisserrati) is a critically endangered species of lizard in the Diploglossidae family endemic to Montserrat in the Caribbean Lesser Antilles,[1][2] the only Diploglossid species in the region.
| Montserrat galliwasp | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Diploglossidae |
| Genus: | Diploglossus |
| Species: | D. montisserrati |
| Binomial name | |
| Diploglossus montisserrati Underwood, 1964 | |
Description
It can reach 180 mm snout-to-vent, with well-developed limbs. It is brown all over, with white speckling on its flanks and legs, subtle dark lines around its neck, and white scales speckled with brown on its upper mouth.
Distribution and habitat
Once native to the whole island, it is only confirmed from the type locality, Woodland Spring, where it is found in moist woodland habitats.
Conservation
Its population size is unknown. It was originally described on the basis of a single specimen collected in 1964. No confirmed sightings were reported again until 1998, when it was observed by forestry employees. It may be one of the most endangered lizards in the world, particularly given the destruction of local habitat caused by the Soufrière Hills volcano, human habitation, and predation by invasive species such as rats, cane toads, feral pigs, dogs, and cats.
References
- Daltry, J.C. (2017) [errata version of 2016 assessment]. "Diploglossus montisserrati". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T6638A115082920. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T6638A71739597.en. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
- Diploglossus montisserrati at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 12 March 2019.
- Malhotra, Anita; Thorpe, Roger S. (1999), Reptiles & Amphibians of the Eastern Caribbean, Macmillan Education Ltd., pp. 73–75, ISBN 0-333-69141-5.
- Procter, D.; Fleming, L. V., eds. (1999), Biodiversity: The UK Overseas Territories, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, pp. 82–87, ISBN 1-86107-502-2
- Underwood, G. 1964. An anguid lizard from the Leeward Islands. Breviora 200:1-10