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Acanthodactylus mechriguensis 

Scope: Global
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Taxonomy [top]

Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family
Animalia Chordata Reptilia Squamata Lacertidae

Scientific Name: Acanthodactylus mechriguensis
Species Authority: Nouira & Blanc, 1999
Taxonomic Notes: This species is closely related to the Acanthodactylus pardalis (Lichtenstein, 1823) complex.

Assessment Information [top]

Red List Category & Criteria: Critically Endangered B2ab(iii,v) ver 3.1
Year Published: 2006
Date Assessed: 2006-01-31
Assessor(s): Nouira, S. & Geniez, P.
Reviewer(s): Stuart, S.N. & Cox, N. (Global Reptile Assessment)
Justification:
Listed as Critically Endangered because its area of occupancy is less than 10 km², its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is a continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat, and the number of mature individuals.

Geographic Range [top]

Range Description:This recently described species is known only from four localities on the Sidi Mechig beaches of northern Tunisia. It occurs only at sea level.
Countries occurrence:
Native:
Tunisia
Additional data:
Range Map:Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.

Population [top]

Population:It is a locally uncommon species. The two largest populations have declined significantly in the past ten years.
Current Population Trend:Decreasing
Additional data:

Habitat and Ecology [top]

Habitat and Ecology:It lives in the dune systems with shrub and small dry river beds. The habitat of the species includes the only area of peat bog in Tunisia. The female lays a clutch of four to five eggs.
Systems:Terrestrial

Threats [top]

Major Threat(s): Local people regularly visit and disturb the beaches where this species is found. There is a new port under construction within the range of the species and the population in Sidi Mechig has already considerably decreased. The development of greenhouse cultivation in the region and the building of a dam has also affected some populations.

Conservation Actions [top]

Conservation Actions: There are no protected areas within the species' range. There is a need to establish a protected area for this species and other localised endemics in the area of the Sidi Mechig beaches.

Classifications [top]

3. Shrubland -> 3.8. Shrubland - Mediterranean-type Shrubby Vegetation
suitability:Suitable  
5. Wetlands (inland) -> 5.2. Wetlands (inland) - Seasonal/Intermittent/Irregular Rivers/Streams/Creeks
suitability:Suitable  
5. Wetlands (inland) -> 5.4. Wetlands (inland) - Bogs, Marshes, Swamps, Fens, Peatlands
suitability:Suitable  
13. Marine Coastal/Supratidal -> 13.3. Marine Coastal/Supratidal - Coastal Sand Dunes
suitability:Suitable  
1. Land/water protection -> 1.1. Site/area protection
2. Land/water management -> 2.1. Site/area management

In-Place Research, Monitoring and Planning
In-Place Land/Water Protection and Management
In-Place Species Management
In-Place Education
1. Residential & commercial development -> 1.2. Commercial & industrial areas
♦ timing:Ongoing    
→ Stresses
  • 1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.1. Ecosystem conversion
  • 1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation
6. Human intrusions & disturbance -> 6.1. Recreational activities
♦ timing:Ongoing    
→ Stresses
  • 2. Species Stresses -> 2.2. Species disturbance
7. Natural system modifications -> 7.2. Dams & water management/use -> 7.2.11. Dams (size unknown)
♦ timing:Ongoing    
→ Stresses
  • 1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.1. Ecosystem conversion
  • 1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation
1. Research -> 1.2. Population size, distribution & trends
1. Research -> 1.3. Life history & ecology
1. Research -> 1.5. Threats
1. Research -> 1.6. Actions
3. Monitoring -> 3.1. Population trends

Bibliography [top]

IUCN. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Nouira, S. and Blanc, C.P. 1999. Description d'une nouvelle espèce d'acanthodactyle en Tunisie: Acanthodactylus mechriguensis n. sp. (Sauria, Reptilia) Atti. Mem. Ente Fauna Siciliana 5(1997-1998): 103–110

Nouria, S. and Blanc, C.P. 2003. Distribution spatiale des Lacertidés (Sauria, Reptilia) en Tunisie; caractéristiques des biotopes et rôle des facteurs écologiques Ecologia mediterranea 29(1): 71–86
Citation: Nouira, S. & Geniez, P. 2006. Acanthodactylus mechriguensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2006: e.T61459A12471115. . Downloaded on 28 September 2016.
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