Ctenophorus gibba, commonly known as the bulldust ground-dragon or gibber dragon,[3][4] is a species of agamid lizard (Agamidae family) occurring in the sparsely vegetated gibber plains of northern South Australia.[2][4][5]
| Ctenophorus gibba | |
|---|---|
| |
| Bulldust Ground-dragon on a rock | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Iguania |
| Family: | Agamidae |
| Genus: | Ctenophorus |
| Species: | C. gibba
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| Binomial name | |
| Ctenophorus gibba | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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Description
editCtenophorus gibba is a medium-sized lizard with a robust body and a tail longer than its body. The species displays sexual dimorphism, with males being larger and more brightly colored than females.[6] Typical coloration includes shades of brown and gray, with patterns that help it blend into its arid surroundings.[6] Adult Gibber dragons range in colour from yellowish-brown to reddish-brown to grey, with dark flecks. They are stout, with a round head, blunt snout, short limbs and tail. Adults have a total length (including tail) of 10.5–11.5 cm (4.1–4.5 in).[3][4]
Habitat
editCtenophorus gibba is typically found in arid and semi-arid regions of central Australia. It prefers rocky outcrops and gibber plains, which provide ample basking sites and shelter from predators.[7]
Ecology and behaviour
editThis species is diurnal and primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and other small invertebrates. Ctenophorus gibba is known for its territorial behavior, with males establishing and defending territories during the breeding season. [8] The Gibber dragon lives in the arid, sparsely vegetated gibber plains of northern South Australia. They bask on low protruding rocks and shelter in burrows dug into the soft soil between rocks.[3][4]
Reproduction
editCtenophorus gibba breeds in the spring and summer months. Females lay clutches of 2-6 eggs, which are buried in sandy soil. The eggs hatch after an incubation period of approximately 60-70 days, depending on environmental conditions.[9]
Conservation Status
editCurrently, Ctenophorus gibba is not considered endangered. However, habitat destruction and climate change pose potential threats to its populations. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and monitoring population trends.[10]
References
edit- ^ Melville, J.; Hutchinson, M.; Clemann, N.; Robertson, P. (2018). "Ctenophorus gibba". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T83410159A83453713. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T83410159A83453713.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ a b c "Species: Ctenophorus gibba (Gibber Dragon)".
- ^ a b c Cogger, H. (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, Reed New Holland, Sydney, New South Wales, ISBN 1876334339
- ^ a b c d Wilson, S., Swan, G. (2013) A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, New Holland Publishers, Sydney, New South Wales, ISBN 9781921517280
- ^ CHAPPLE, DAVID G. (December 2012). "A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia". Austral Ecology. 29 (6): 687–688. doi:10.1111/j.1442-9985.2004.01384.x. ISSN 1442-9985.
- ^ a b Cogger, Harold (2014). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. CSIRO Publishing. ISBN 978-0-643-10977-3.
- ^ Pianka, Eric R.; Vitt, Laurie J. (2003-09-24), "Lizards as Predators", LizardsWindows to the Evolution of Diversity, University of California Press, pp. 41–62, retrieved 2024-07-15
- ^ Kluge, Arnold G.; Greer, Allen E. (1991-05-16). "The Biology and Evolution of Australian Lizards". Copeia. 1991 (2): 534. doi:10.2307/1446607. ISSN 0045-8511.
- ^ Shine, R (1977). "Reproduction in Australian elapid snakes II. Female reproductive cycles". Australian Journal of Zoology. 25 (4): 655. doi:10.1071/zo9770655. ISSN 0004-959X.
- ^ "Mesalina brevirostris_new: UAE National Red List Workshop". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018-09-25. Retrieved 2024-07-15.