Reptile
Yellow-throated Plated Lizard
Gerrhosaurus flavigularisAlso known as Plated Lizard
Yellow-throated plated lizards are robust, ground-dwelling reptiles clad in heavy, armor-like rectangular scales arranged in regular transverse bands. A prominent lateral skin fold along each flank expands as they breathe, feed, or produce clutches of leathery eggs. During the breeding season, males undergo a striking transformation, developing brilliant yellow, orange, or fiery red throats that they display to rivals from the crests of low rocks or termite mounds.
ReptileDiurnalGrassland
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyGrasshoppers, Ground Beetles, Wolf Spiders
Predators
- Black-headed Heron
- Slender Mongoose
- Boomslang
ThreatsHabitat loss from intensive agriculture, urban expansion, and occasional collection for the exotic pet trade
HabitatsOpen grasslands, savanna, coastal scrub, and rocky hillsides across eastern and southern Africa
Life span10–15 years
Classification
- FamilyGerrhosauridae
- GenusGerrhosaurus
- SpeciesGerrhosaurus flavigularis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Approach slowly: Walk with a steady, low profile since sudden shadows prompt them to dive into dense tufts or burrows.
- Scan basking spots: Look along sunny rock borders and grassy clearings during mid-morning hours.
Neighbor Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
Predator no rights reserved · cc0
Same Family (c) Tommy Andriollo, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) przese, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by przese · cc-by
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