La Palma giant lizard (Gallotia auaritae) |Size||Snout-vent
length: up to 44 cm (2)| The La Palma giant lizard is classified
as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List (1). The La
Palma giant lizard (Gallotia auaritae) belongs to the genus
Gallotia, a distinctive group of lizards which occurs only on
the Canary Islands (3). Although thought to be extinct, a
possible sighting of this species in 2007 suggests that a
remnant population of the La Palma giant lizard might still
exist (1). From the structure of its skeleton, the La Palma
giant lizard is known to be a large, robust lizard with well
developed, muscular legs (2). Male giant lizards are generally
larger than females, with larger, sturdier heads (4). Although
recent sighting of this species may be unconfirmed (5), it is
described as being dark-brown in colour (2). The La Palma giant
lizard is endemic to the island of La Palma, in the Canary
Islands. Its historic range is believed to extend from sea
level, up to elevations of 800 metres (1). Whil