Source: Wikimedia Commons (link)
I stand with Ukraine. 🇺🇦
Crimean Rock Lizard, Darevskia lindholmi, (also called Lindholm's Rock Lizard) is a lizard only found in Ukraine. It is endemic to the mountains of occupied Crimea. The Ukrainian name for this lizard is Кримська кам'яна ящірка.
This lizard is beautifully colored - some more photos of this species can be found here. They can be brightly colored with vibrant greens and blues.
Some facts about this species:
- Crimean Rock Lizards are petrophilous (they prefer rocky environments) but eurytopic (they can tolerate a range of environments). The Reptile Database states that this species "prefers rocky uncoverings and precipices, but inhabits pebbly beaches, mountain forests and meadows as well."
- It likes moist environments, and does not do well in arid climates.
- They lay eggs, like most lizards.
These lizards are in the genus Darevskia. Most species in this genus are "characterized by complex and diverse social systems, which, in particular, are characterized by stable long-term friendly relations between the male and the female and territorial or hierarchical relations between individuals of the same sex."
In the last few days I have been trying to learn more about Ukraine - about its culture, language, history and wildlife. I am inspired by the courage and strength of the Ukrainian people.
We have one planet in a vast nothingness.
Source: Wikimedia (link)
Let us all have respect for the interdependent web of life of which we are a part. Let us work together to protect the people, wildlife and environments all across our beautiful planet earth.
Sources:
I love the idea of learning more about the people of Ukraine and it's wildlife. Also, I've never heard the term petrophilous before. Cool!
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