• Source: Ctenosaura palearis

Ctenosaura palearis, commonly known as the Motagua spiny-tailed iguana, is a species of spiny-tailed iguana endemic to the Motagua Valley in Guatemala.




Conservation status


This species is threatened by habitat loss and illegal trade. These iguanas were used as a source of food by natives. Its eggs are a food source for the equally threatened Motagua Valley beaded lizard (Heloderma charlesbogerti), thereby possibly linking the status of the two species. It is included in CITES appendix II so that trade of this species is regulated.




Diet


The Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana feeds on leaves and the fruits of the cactus Stenocereus pruinosus and occasionally insects (crickets, beetles, ants and wasps).




Habitat


The habitat of C. palearis is characterized by a greater frequency of the cactus Stenocereus pruinosus, Albizzia idiopoda, Ximena americana and Acacia deamii. The Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana can be regarded as a keystone species because it plays an important role in seed dispersal of S. pruinosus.




References



Coti, P. and D. Ariano. 2008. Ecology and traditional use of the Guatemalan black iguana (Ctenosaura palearis) in the dry forests of the Motagua Valley, Guatemala. Iguana 15 (3): 142–149.[1]




Further reading


Stejneger, L. 1899. Description of a new species of spiny-tailed iguana from Guatemala. Proc. U.S. Natl. Mus. 21: 381–383.

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Iguanidae
• Ctenosaura palearis
• Ctenosaura
• Ctenosaura melanosterna
• Iguanidae
• Ctenosaura bakeri
• Heloderma charlesbogerti
• IUCN Red List endangered species (Animalia)
• List of endangered reptiles
• List of reptiles of Guatemala
• List of species protected by CITES Appendix II