Chalcides simonyi


The Fuerteventura skink is an endangered ovoviviparous species of skink in the family Scincidae. Skinks are generally characterized by their smaller legs and less pronounced necks compared to typical lizards.

Etymology

The specific name, simonyi, is in honor of Viennese naturalist Oskar Simonyi, who also described El [Hierro giant lizard] in the same region.

Geographic range

C. simonyi is found only on the islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote in the Canary Islands.

Habitat

The natural habitats of C. simonyi are temperate shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, temperate grassland, rocky areas, pastureland, and urban areas.