As of 2018, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada considers the lizard species as worrying
, given its small number. In 2007, the species was named endangered
.
I don’t think we found more than two or three… So to be able to find that many is pretty amazing to us
said Megan Jensen, manager of natural areas at CNC for southeastern Alberta.
There’s just a deep sense of gratitude to be able to find something that a lot of people don’t even realize exists.
she added.
The greater short-horned lizard generally measures less than 10 centimeters, but it has a very particular way of defending itself: it spits blood through its eyes to ward off predators.
It’s quite a disgusting taste to predators, so often they’ll just abandon the lizard, which will save it.
says Ms. Jensen.
An annual search
Each year, the Nature Conservancy of Canada applies to the government for permits to organize annual searches for greater short-horned lizards.
This year, the research team included six trainees and two managers who excavated one of the grounds managed by CNC.
You scatter over the entire terrain and scan it for lizards
explains Megan Jensen.
Nature Conservancy of Canada teams are scouring the land for lizards.
Photo : Ania Marcus
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After about four hours of searching in 35 degree temperatures, the team had found no less than eight of these lizards.
One of the interns, Ania Marcus, is among those who unearthed the little reptile.
It’s really rewarding, because it’s really really hard to find
she says.
Jensen says these tan reptiles also rely on their physical characteristics to protect themselves from predators like birds and coyotes. Their earthy colors help them blend into their surroundings.
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The area where Nature Conservancy of Canada interns were looking for the Greater Short-horned Lizard.
Photo : Ania Marcus
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In Canada, these lizards can be found in southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan. According to the Species at Risk Public Registry, the Greater Short-horned Lizard prefers loose soil in which it can burrow for protection at night and in winter
.
Naturalist Chris Fisher explains, however, that more than 90% of the territory occupied by the reptile has been lost due to agricultural and industrial activities.
Photographing a rare event
Chris Fisher also judges that he is absolutely phenomenal
that the CNC found eight of these lizards in the space of four hours.
He has been looking for this little reptile for thirty years. This year, he found three.
Just to see three in a year is something spectacular in Alberta… Even one in a lifetime is an accomplishment in itself for a seasoned Alberta naturalist
he said.
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The lizard photographed by Chris Fisher.
Photo : Chris Fisher
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Mr. Fisher was in the Badlands a few days ago when he spotted the lizard. He then noticed that his head was red and thought that was unusual. He therefore approached to take pictures of the small reptile.
Looking at my photos later, I was fascinated to learn that I was perhaps the first to photograph evidence of the greater short-horned lizard’s defense mechanism in Canada.
With information from Karina Zapata
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