The Green Keel-bellied
Lizard
Gastropholis prasina
A rare, and
remarkably beautiful, emerald-green tree lizard. Only
recently was this Central African rainforest species
recorded from the North Kenya coast. Since the first
specimen was seen in a tree at Bio-Ken Snake Farm, quite
a number have been recorded both in the Arobuko-Sokoke
forest itself, but also along the surrounding forest
fringes and the North Watamu plots.
This
arboreal lizard is diurnal and lives high up in the
trees feeding on insects and their larvae. They
particularly like to eat wasp grubs and hide out in
holes in the tree trunk at night. If you come across
this lizard please inform the Snake Farm so that we can
increase the knowledge on its distribution. The Green
Keel-Bellied Lizard is not found anywhere else in Kenya.
A small very
fast lacertid lizard. It can be seen dashing around on
the ground during the day. Not more than 6inches in
length these lizards like open spaces. They have adapted
to a life in very hot places and are heavily preyed on
by Sand Snakes and small birds of prey.
Peter’s Sand Lizard
Pseuderemias striata
Smith’s Sand Lizard
Pseuderemias smithii
Southern Long-Tailed Lizard
Latastia longicaudata
A medium
sized, very fast lacertid lizard that is very similar to
Speke’s Sand Lizard in habit and looks. It is much
bigger in size at a maximum of nearly 16 inches in
length. Juveniles can be distinguished by having a red
tail.
