Chalcides manueli


Chalcides manueli, commonly known as Manuel's skink, is a species of lizard in the subfamily Scincinae of the family Scincidae. The species is endemic to Morocco.

Geographic range

Chalcides manueli is found in western Morocco, west of the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas mountain ranges.

Habitat

Chalcides manueli is found in a variety of natural habitats, from intertidal and supralittoral zones to shrubland and forest, at elevations up to.

Etymology

The specific name, manueli, is in honor of Albert Manuel of Rabat who helped Hediger to organize an expedition to Morocco.

Reproduction

Adult females of Chalcides manueli give birth to live young, by a mode of reproduction which has been variously described as being viviparous and as being ovoviviparous.

Conservation status

Chalcides manueli is somewhat rare throughout its distribution and is affected by deforestation, desertification, and overgrazing. It is likely that the species is in decline, and its range is severely fragmented.