USGS Multimedia Gallery: Side Blotched Lizard

Title: Side Blotched Lizard

Description: The side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana) is a relatively common and widespread lizard in Southern California. It is smaller and prefers more open habitat than the related Western fence lizard, yet USGS and National Park Service biologists are finding signs of genetic isolation in both species. As urban development fragmented the Santa Monica Mountains scrubland into isolated "habitat islands", wildlife populations have also become genetically isolated as individuals are unable cross urban barriers to breed with neighboring members of their own species. Genetic isolation and loss of genetic diversity can lead to greater risk of a species' extinction.

Location: CA, USA

Photographer: Chris Brown , U.S. Geological Survey

Usage: This image is public domain/of free use unless otherwise stated. Please refer to the USGS Copyright section for how to credit the photo.

Source:

File Details:
Type: JPEG image - 520.94 KB
Dimensions: 986 x 648
Resolution: 72 dpi

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Lizards (Set)