Rainforest lizards
are an interesting group of animals.
Lizards
are
not like frogs
in that they prefer wet
habitat. Many lizards inhabit dry deserts and
thrive there.
They are, however, ectothermal
animals
and many species therefore enjoy
the reasonably mild temperatures
of most rainforests; as well as the lack of big seasonal changes in
tropical
rainforests.
Lizards
belong to a group of
reptiles which includes iguanas, geckoes, monitors, anoles and
chameleons.
Anoles
are a group of lizards that are found in South, Central and North
America. They feed on insects, and lay eggs like most other reptiles.
Chameleons
are very distinctive lizards, with their stereoscopic eyes, long
tongues,
back crests and ability to change colour. They are mostly found in
Africa and Madagascar,
but also in south-western Europe and south Asia.
They have been introduced to Florida, California and Hawaii.
Geckoes
are small lizards, known for their unique chirping sounds and
specialized toe pads that allow them to walk on walls and ceilings.
They are found in warm climates, including rainforests,
almost world-wide.
Iguanas
are medium-sized lizards that are found in Central and South America,
and the Caribbean islands. They are distinguished by a "third eye" and
a row of spines along their back.
Monitors
are large carnivorous lizards that are also called goannas and include
the Varanus species. Most monitors live in deserts, but some,
particularly water monitors are known to inhabit wet habitats such as
rainforests.
Note:
This site uses British English, which is the English we use in
Australia. Disclaimer:
This website is about interesting facts about rainforests.
It
is not
trying to be comprehensive. Although best efforts
have been made to
ensure
that all the information on this
site is correct, rainforest-facts.com
is
not to
be blamed should
there be a mistake. Copyright
notice:
All contents of this website are strictly protected by the Law of
Copyright. What
does that mean?