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The Madeira Wall Lizard (Lacerta dugesii) is a species of lizard in the Lacertidae family. It is endemic to Madeira Islands, Portugal. In the Azores this lizard has become naturalized after involuntary introduction by ship trade between the two archipelagos.
Its natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, rocky shores, sandy shores, arable land, pastureland, plantations , rural gardens, and urban areas.
Madeira has been classified as a Subtropical-Mediterranean climate but based on differences in sun exposure, humidity, and annual mean temperature there are clear variations between north- and south-facing regions, as well as between some islands. The islands are strongly influenced by the Gulf Stream, giving it mild year-round temperatures; the average annual temperature along the coastline is between 15º and 22°C at lower altitudes, and between 5º and 15°C at the highest altitudes.
This one has really big back legs. Afert looking around, I think it is a Zebra-Tailed Lizard, Callisaurus draconoides.
These little guys would run to sit on top of a rock, then let you get fairly close to photograph them. This one was particularly cooperative!
I own a number of field guides to help me identify the species of various different groups of organisms. I have reptile and amphibian guides, insect guides, beetle guides, butterfly and moth guides, bird guides, and even books local plant life. There is just something great about looking at some biological discovery and knowing a bit more about it.
The name of a plant or animal is a great place to start. "Hey honey, I found a really neat something-or-other today." This is not nearly as neat as saying, "I found a Sagebrush Lizard today," although the level of enthusiasm for my increadible find would be about the same from my better half. Then there is the information associated with the name. Habits, habitat, where to find them, relationship with man, life history, and so on. It all makes really interesting reading. I also have a few favourite internet sites, such as www.whatbird.com. I can go there and uncover more about the creature or plant that has captured my attention.
I caught the above fellow using a trick I learned; Move slowly and keep your hand hidden from the lizard's eyssight as you guide it along the surface until you can pinch the tail down with 1 finger. Then you move in for the capture and presto, instant lizard. You can also use fishing line in a loop hanging from a stick as the lizard can't see the line well enough to recognize it as a threat. Nice, but I don't always have a piece of spare nylon line hanging around. If you ever have the good fortune of capturing something, always treat it with respect and release it safely where you found it.