Module 1.2: Lizards
Interpretive Guide
Interpreting With Lizards: Depending on the audience or program that you are delivering,
your messaging about lizards could relate to many different topics, including the characteristics
of reptiles, adaptations, or their conservation in the wild.
Lizards as pets: Many lizard species, including bearded dragons and geckos, are a popular pet in
many households; however, they might not be the best choice for everyone. Some lizards get
really big, and all lizards require specialized care.
Do your homework: Owning a pet is a big responsibility. It is important to research what an
animal requires, and where it came from, before bringing one home. Some things to consider
before purchasing a lizard include:
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Where it came from
Housing, diet, and temperature requirements
Size and lifespan
Wild or Not? Many exotic pet species suffer from overcolletion in the wild. Make sure you are
not purchasing a wild-caught individual; captive-bred species are often easy to find. Removing
individuals from the wild can reduce population sizes, making it difficult for individuals to find
mates and reproduce.
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Embassy Lizards
The Maryland Zoo
Lizard Basics
Lizards are reptiles
Reptiles are cold blooded, or ectothermic. This means that they rely on outside sources such as
light, to heat its body. Because a lizard spends less energy warming its body compared to a
warm blooded, or endothermic animal, such as a human, it requires less food.
Lizards are a very diverse group of reptiles in terms of body shape and size, adaptations and
habitats. For example, some move slowly and rely on camouflage for protection, whereas other
species are highly mobile. Lizards have several characteristics that distinguish them from other
reptiles:
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Four legs and a tail
External ear openings
Typically have moveable eyelids
Lack a bony shell
Gecko Basics
The Embassy houses Iranian eyelid geckos, a species that is poorly understood. Although we do
not have a lot of species-specific information about these geckos, there is some information
that is true for most gecko species.
Gecko tails serve many functions:
 Balance: Tails help geckos balance while climbing tree branches
 Fat Storage: Fat reserves are located in the tail
 Autotomy: Geckos are able to shed, or remove their tails from their body when attacked
by a predator
Vocalizations: Unlike most lizards, geckos have a voice box and are able to fully vocalize
with chirps, barks and clicks when defending territories and attracting mates.
Eyelids: Most geckos do not have moveable eyelids. Instead, most have a transparent,
stationary eyelid that they keep clean and moist by licking it with their tongues.
Source: http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/gecko/#gecko-on-leaf.jpg
7/9/2016
Lizard Basics
The Maryland Zoo
Iranian Eyelid Gecko
Eublepharis angramainyu
Description:
 Size:
o Males: 9.5-10.5 in (24-26 cm)
o Females: 8-9.5 in (21-24 cm)
 Weight: Unknown
o The Maryland Zoo’s juvenile geckos weigh 2.3 and 2.6 oz (65 and 74 g)
respectively
 Physical description: Small lizard with a short, thick, tapered tail. Skin appears bumpy,
but feels quite smooth. Each foot has 5 toes.
 Coloration: Pale yellow overlaid with a complex pattern of dark stripes and spots
covering the entire body. Feet, snout, and tip of the tail may have a pinkish tinge, and
top of tail may feature pale blue colors.
 Sexual dimorphism:
o Male is larger than female
In the Wild
Habitat and Range:
 Geographic range: Native to Iran, Iraq, northern Syria and southeastern Turkey
o Species is very rare, and full range is poorly understood
o Most specimens have been found in the foothills of the Zagros mountains
 Habitat: Rocky deserts and semi-arid grasslands
Diet:
 Carnivorous:
o Mainly feeds on insects, spiders, and other arthropods
o May feed on eggs and smaller reptiles
Adaptations:
 Claws: Toes lack the lamellae (sticky pads) found on most other gecko species, reducing
their ability to climb. Instead, they have small claws that improve traction while crawling
along the ground.
 Camouflage: Brown stripes and spots help break up the lizard’s outline, which makes it
more difficult for animals, such as hawks, to see the gecko.
 Autotomy: Able to voluntarily drop their tail when threatened by a predator. This
defense is called autotomy.
o When stressed or threatened, can sever the connection between the main body
and the tail. Muscles automatically compress the severed arteries, preventing
blood loss, which could lead to death.
o Tail will continue to squirm after being detached, attracting attention from the
predator and allowing the lizard to escape
o Dropped tails will eventually regenerate, though the new tail will contain
7/9/2016
Iranian Eyelid Gecko
The Maryland Zoo
Iranian Eyelid Gecko
Eublepharis angramainyu
cartilage instead of bone
o Tail acts as a fat reserve, which makes autotomy a defense of last resort
Lifespan:
 Unknown
o Due to the similarities to leopard geckos, this species may have a similar lifespan
of 10-15 years
Ecosystem relationships:
 Predators: Unknown—likely foxes, snakes, larger lizards, and birds of prey
 Role/niche: While this species is poorly understood, it most likely serves as a food
source for medium or large predators, while also controlling the population of its prey
species, such as arthropods and smaller lizards.
Reproduction:
 Breeding season: Unknown, though the species likely lays eggs several times during the
year.
 Behavior: Unknown.
 Incubation: Unknown
 Clutch size: Usually lays a clutch of 2 eggs
 Maturation: Unknown
Activity:
 Crepuscular and nocturnal
o Mainly active between dusk and dawn
Other “fun facts”:
 Unlike most gecko species, Iranian eyelid geckos possess moveable eyelids.
 Other names in include Iraqi eyelid geckos, Iranian fat-tailed geckos, and western
leopard geckos
 Iranian eyelid geckos frequently give a high-pitched squeak when captured, and will
attempt to bite the attacker. They may also wrap their tail around the assailant, which
likely aids in autotomy.
 Poorly understood: This gecko species is poorly understood, which means that science
knows little about its wild habits. The species is extremely rare as well as difficult to
observe within its range.
Conservation Status and Threats:
 IUCN listed as “Data Deficient”
o The species is very poorly understood, and very few specimens have been
observed or collected
7/9/2016
Iranian Eyelid Gecko
The Maryland Zoo
Iranian Eyelid Gecko
Eublepharis angramainyu
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CITES—Not listed
Threats: Because the population is unknown, the threats are also poorly understood.
o Populations are believed to be declining throughout their range
o Collection for the pet trade is thought to be their major threat, but more
research is needed in order to determine the degree of danger posed
At the Zoo
Blink (female) and Iris (male) are the two geckos that live at the Zoo’s embassy. They hatched in
July 2014 at Zoo Atlanta.
What We Can Do
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Do your research before buying a pet
o Make sure you are not purchasing a wild-caught individual – captive-bred lizards
are often easy to find
o Make sure you know how to properly care for any animal before you decide to
buy it as a pet
 Some things to consider include adequate housing, diet, temperature
requirements and lifespan
 Some pets also require a lot of time and money to be properly cared for
Support the conservation efforts of local organizations like The Maryland Zoo as well as
organizations working in the field to protect wildlife and conserve habitat
o Support researchers and institutions that work in the field to make important
ecological discoveries. Some scientists think that less than 1/5 of Earth’s species
have been identified. Discovering and learning about new species before they
disappear can yield exciting findings in the areas of medicine, engineering,
chemistry, and biology.
Additional Resources and References:
 Anderson, Steven C. and Alan E. Leviton. “A new species of Eublepharis from
southwestern Iran (Reptilia: Gekkonidae).” California Academy of Sciences, No. 53.
http://biostor.org/reference/71528
 Moradi, Naeim and Soheila Shafeiei. “New record of the Western leopard gecko,
Eublepharis angramainyu Anderson & Leviton, 1966 (Sauria: Eublepharidae) from
southeastern Iran.” Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Vol. 5, No. 4, pg 88-91.
http://amphibian-reptile-conservation.org/pdfs/Volume/Vol_5_no_1/ARC_5_1_8891_e36_low_res.pdf
 Tosunoglu, Murat et al. “Morphology of Eublepharis angramainyu Anderson & Leviton,
1966 in Turkey.” Herpetozoa, pg 61-62.
http://www.landesmuseum.at/pdf_frei_remote/HER_18_1_2_0061-0062.pdf
7/9/2016
Iranian Eyelid Gecko
The Maryland Zoo
Iranian Eyelid Gecko
Eublepharis angramainyu
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Uzum, Nazam, Aziz Avci, Cetin Ilgaz, and Kurtulus Olgun. “A new specimen of
Eublepharis angramainyu Anderson et. Leviton, 1966 (Reptilia: Sauria: Eublepharidae),
leopard gecko, in southeastern Anatolia, Turkey.” Russian Journal of Herpetology, Vol.
15, No. 2, pg 129-132.
Firouz, Eskandar. The Complete Fauna of Iran. Pg 221.
https://books.google.com/books?id=t2EZCScFXloC&pg=PA221&lpg=PA221&dq=iranian+
fat+tailed+gecko&source=bl&ots=m7MmqcNY8m&sig=o_AucD7wOGOyTfsJ0gpRW2hP7
p0&hl=en&sa=X&ei=QzOLVJLrKo6NyATNxoKoCg&ved=0CDQQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=ir
anian%20fat%20tailed%20gecko&f=false
Sprackland, Robert G. Jr. All About Lizards. Pg 50-54.
Calafornia Academy of Science: http://www.calacademy.org/blogs/projectlab/specimen-of-the-day-the-iranian-fat-tailed-gecko
IUCN: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/164608/0
7/9/2016
Iranian Eyelid Gecko
The Maryland Zoo
Central Bearded Dragon
Pogona vitticeps
Description:
 Size: 13-24 in (33-61 cm) long including tail
 Weight: Up to 3.3 lb (1.5 kg)
 Physical description: A medium-small lizard with a stocky, triangular head. The head is
lined with spikes, and a “fringe” of spikes runs down the side of the body and between
the legs. The throat features an inflatable pouch that gives the animal its name. Tail is
very long and may be half the total length of the body. The body itself is flattened and
round, with numerous raised scales covering the back. The lower surface is generally
smooth.
 Coloration: Color varies depending on the color of the soil from which the individual
originates, but typically features a brown base color, ranging from dark brown to tan,
with lighter markings, ranging from tan to orange, red, or gold.
 Sexual dimorphism: Males generally have larger heads, larger, darker beards, and larger
femoral pores (waxy bumps on the underside of the back legs)
In the Wild
Habitat and Range:
 Geographic range: Found in central and eastern Australia
 Habitat: Occupies a wide range of habitats including subtropical woodlands, scrublands,
savannas, shore areas, and deserts
Diet:
 Omnivorous: Eats plant matter such as fruit and flowers, insects, spiders, and the
occasional small lizard or mammal
o About 20% of the animal’s diet is plant matter
o Opportunistic feeder: Lives in areas where food may be hard to find so it will eat
whenever it gets a chance.
Adaptations:
 Defensive behavior: When threatened, they will open their mouth and inflate their
beard, making their mouths appear much larger. Simultaneously, they will flatten their
body on the ground, which makes it appear much larger as well.
 Spikes: This animal’s spikes may appear threatening, but for the most part are too
flexible to cause any damage. The spines cause this lizard to be unappealing to potential
predators.
 Camouflage: The yellow, brown, and red colors found on this animal’s body blend in
well with its sandy habitat. This animal can make its skin darker or lighter, though it is
unable to completely change the hue.
 Desert survival:
o Have large stomachs to accommodate large meals, an important adaptation
since their next meal is not always a guarantee in arid habitats
7/9/2016
Central Bearded Dragon
The Maryland Zoo
Central Bearded Dragon
Pogona vitticeps
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o Are able to survive on nutrients and fat reserves stored in their large abdomens
o Are able to dig into the ground and remain dormant for long periods of time
Heat control: They may open their mouths to varying degrees to cool off. Strong legs to
lift their body completely off the ground while they move. This reduces the heat taken
in from the ground and increases the air flow over the belly to cool off.
Lifespan:
 Wild: Unknown
 Captivity: 4-10 years
Ecosystem relationships:
 Predators: Large goannas (lizards), dingoes, black-headed pythons, gull-billed terns,
birds of prey, and introduced carnivores such as cats and foxes
 Role/niche: Acts as a mid-level link in the food web, both controlling the prey species
below it and acting as a food source for large predators such as dingoes, goannas, and
birds of prey
Reproduction:
 Breeding season: Typically occurs between September and March
 Behavior: Males will display for females during courtship by darkening and inflating their
beards. They will also use their head-bob to display willingness to mate.
 Clutch size: Typically ranges from 15-25 eggs.
 Maturation: Typically reach full size and sexual maturity between 1 and 2 years of age
Activity:
 Crepuscular: Spend the morning and early evening sunning themselves on exposed
branches or rocks, and retreat to shady areas or underground burrows during the
hottest parts of the day
 Are not social but will sometimes gather in groups, especially in popular feeding or
basking areas
Other “fun facts”:
 Diversity: There are seven different species of bearded dragon: inland or central
(Pogona vitticeps), common (Pogona barbata), (Pogona microlepidota), western
(Pogona minima), dwarf (Pogona minor), northwest (Pogona mitchelli), and Nullarbor
(Pogona nullarbor)
 This animal’s common name comes from the “beard” of spikes located on its chin and
throat.
Conservation Status and Threats:
 Not listed on the IUCN Red List
o The closely related common bearded dragon is listed as “Least Concern”
7/9/2016
Central Bearded Dragon
The Maryland Zoo
Central Bearded Dragon
Pogona vitticeps
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CITES—not listed
Threats:
o Collection for the pet trade: The lizard’s small size and relatively docile
temperament make it a desirable pet species.
o Habitat loss may be of minor concern. However, this animal is tolerant to slight
habitat disturbance, and much of its native range is not desirable for human
settlement.
Conservation efforts:
o Since the 1960's, Australia has strictly prohibited exports of any native wildlife –
most inland bearded dragons in captivity are descended from lizards illegally
exported from Australia and smuggled into the United States or Europe during
the 1980s.
Unlike most reptile species, the majority of inland bearded dragons owned as pets were
captive-bred – many species of snakes, lizards, crocodiles and turtles are endangered
because many individuals are removed from the wild for the pet trade or are killed to
make products for sale.
At the Zoo
Sydney and Toothless were hatched at the Omaha Zoo in 2013 and came to the Maryland Zoo
the same year.
What We Can Do
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Support the conservation efforts of local organizations like The Maryland Zoo as well as
organizations working in the field to protect wildlife and conserve habitat
Make environmentally responsible lifestyle decisions to help conserve habitat –
conserve energy, reduce litter and pollution
Do your research before buying a pet
o Make sure you are not purchasing a wild-caught individual – captive-bred species
are often easy to find
o Make sure you know how to properly care for any animal before you decide to
buy it as a pet
 Some things to consider include adequate housing, diet, temperature
requirements, and lifespan
 Some pets also require a lot of time and money to be properly cared for
Additional Resources and References:
 Animal diversity web:
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Pogona_vitticeps/
 National Zoo:
7/9/2016
Central Bearded Dragon
The Maryland Zoo
Central Bearded Dragon
Pogona vitticeps
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http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/FactSheets/Inlandbearded
dragon.cfm
Woodland Park Zoo: http://www.zoo.org/page.aspx?pid=1930#.UiOX1NKORc0
Australian Museum: http://australianmuseum.net.au/Central-Bearded-Dragon
7/9/2016
Central Bearded Dragon
The Maryland Zoo