Common Name: Darevskia uzzelli

Scientific Name: Darevskia uzzelli

Habitat:

Darevskia uzzelli, commonly known as Uzzell’s rock lizard, is primarily found in the mountainous regions of the Caucasus, particularly in Georgia. This species inhabits rocky slopes and scrubland areas, often favoring environments with plenty of sun exposure and hiding spots among the rocks. The elevation of its habitat typically ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 meters above sea level, where the climate is generally temperate with moderate rainfall.

Physical Characteristics:

Darevskia uzzelli is a medium-sized lizard, reaching lengths of up to 15 centimeters. It has a slender body, characterized by a smooth, glossy skin that ranges in color from brown to olive green, often with distinctive dark blotches or stripes along the sides. A noteworthy feature of this species is its elongated limbs and long tail, which can be more than double the body length. The head is relatively flat with well-defined eyes that enhance its vision, crucial for spotting predators and prey.

Behavior:

This species is diurnal, primarily active during the day when it basks in sunlight. Darevskia uzzelli is known for its elusive nature, often retreating into crevices or under rocks when threatened. Males can be territorial, engaging in displays or physical confrontations to defend their space. Social interactions are facilitated through various body postures and color displays, especially during the breeding season.

Diet:

Darevskia uzzelli is an insectivorous species, primarily feeding on a diet of small insects, arachnids, and other invertebrates. It is known to hunt actively, using its keen eyesight to spot and stalk prey. Key food sources include ants, grasshoppers, and beetles, making it an essential predator within its rocky habitat.

Reproduction:

The breeding season for Darevskia uzzelli typically occurs in late spring to early summer. Females are known to lay clutches of 2 to 6 eggs, which are deposited in burrows or beneath rocks. The eggs incubate for several weeks, and hatchlings are fully formed, measuring about 4 to 5 centimeters in length upon emergence. Parental care is limited, with young lizards quickly becoming independent as they adapt to their environment.

Conservation Status:

Darevskia uzzelli is currently classified as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List. This status is primarily due to habitat loss from human activities such as agriculture and urban development, along with climate change, which threatens its limited and specialized habitat. Conservation efforts are needed to protect this unique species and its natural environment.

Interesting Facts:

One fascinating fact about Darevskia uzzelli is its ability to regulate body temperature by basking in the sun, which enhances its foraging efficiency. Furthermore, this species displays a remarkable color-changing ability as a form of communication during mating rituals, showing a vivid contrast in response to different stimuli.

Role in Ecosystem:

Darevskia uzzelli plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as both a predator and prey. By controlling insect populations, it contributes to maintaining ecological balance. Additionally, it serves as a food source for larger predators, thus integrating into the food web of the mountainous regions of the Caucasus, highlighting its importance in biodiversity.