The shovel snouted lizard (Meroles anchietae) is endemic to the sand dunes of the Namib Desert. The species is native to southern Africa. The shovel-snouted lizard, also known commonly as Anchieta's desert lizard, Anchieta's dune lizard, and the Namib sand-diver, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The preferred natural habitat of The shovel snouted lizard is desert, with aeolian sand dunes and sparse vegetation, at altitudes from sea level to 500 m. The shovel-snouted lizards have learned how to survive in extreme conditions.
Adults of The shovel snouted lizard have a snout-to-vent length of about 5 cm. The shovel-snouted lizard has an unusual flattened snout with a cutting edge and nostrils that point upwards, as well as enlarged feet that allow it to dash across the sand at high speed without sinking into the dunes.
Although they can withstand temperatures of up to 44 degrees Celsius, they perform a characteristic 'thermal dance' to avoid overheating, balancing on their tail & lifting two of their feet every 10 seconds to cool them.
When it gets too hot and this thermal dance no longer works the lizard dives down into the sand to cooler temperatures. The flat snout allows it to plunge into the sand and “swim” deeply in order to hide from the sun’s extreme heat, as well as predators, it can stay hidden like this for up to 24 hours. The streamlined shape of its nose helps it to penetrate the sand.
The Shovel-snouted lizard is one of the fastest creatures in the desert, especially relative to its size, using its impressive hind legs to propel forward and the front legs only for steering. This speed allows it to capture insects and other prey which also provides it with all its water.
like most desert wildlife, it has adapted ingenious ways to harvest and preserve. It also has a special water bladder, a blind tube branching off from its intestine. There it stores a large reserve of water, obtained by drinking when fog settles on cold nights along the coast of Namibia. If full to capacity, the lizard can survive on it for 12 weeks.
The shovel-snouted lizard preys upon insects, especially small beetles. During dry periods when insects are scarce, they will eat seeds. All of their moisture requirements are obtained from food.
Shovel snouted lizards defend their territory vigorously high into the reproductive season. Luckily for them, there is no fixed breeding season either and eggs are laid at regular intervals, peaking from December to March. Females lay a single egg in a small chamber that has been dug firmly into the sand.
#Wildlife #ThermalDance #NamibDesert
4 окт 2024
