Elusive Desert Lizards

When driving by the sand dunes of the desert or the rocky escarpments that form a border between the sandy washes and the mountains, it's easy to be deceived into thinking that this barren land is devoid of life. In fact, these places are full of amazing critters that have adapted to the harsh habitat. However, most are hidden from sight. Recently, I was able to view some incredible lizards with amazing survival techniques.

The beautiful Banded Rock Lizard lives on boulders in canyons. This lizard like most, begins the morning soaking up the sun's heat. Colors brighten as the lizard warms up. Since it holds its limbs out to the side and its body close to the rock, it can run up and down and upside down without any difficulty. It will hide in rock crevices when needed.

The Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard lives exclusively in sand dunes in the Coachella Valley. Unfortunately, the majority of its habitat has been destroyed by development over the years. The remaining protected areas are critical to its survival.

 When we found this endangered lizard, a trained herpetologist who has permission to hold these lizards, showed us this its special features.

The "fringes" on its back toes enable it to "swim" under the sand instantly to escape predators or to retreat from the intense afternoon heat.

The Flat-tailed Horned Lizard uses its ability to blend in to the land it inhabits rather than speed. His diet is almost exclusively comprised of ants. Like the Fringe-toed Lizard, he will disappear into the loose sand when threatened. Painful, spiky horns around its neck offer some protection as well.

 Speed is essential to the Zebra-tailed Lizard. Most lizards are pretty fast but this one tops them all. When it is escaping danger, it curls its black and white striped tail over its body, raises on its back legs and races up to 18 mph. By this photo, you can see how easily it is to miss lizards that surround you.

 The Desert Spiny Lizard is a larger lizard covered in keeled (spiny) scales looking majestic whereever he perches. We found him hidden in the shade of a palm tree when we were out looking for lizards.

Next time you pass through the desert, remember it is full of unique creatures that have adapted to survive in this incredible place and they deserve to be protected.