RESEARCH ARTICLE

ENDEMIC SRI LANKAN LIZARDS IN THE INTERNATIONAL PET TRADE

Abstract

There is evidence that endemic lizards, mainly the relict genera like Ceratophora, Cophotis, Lyriocephalus and geckos such as the Blotch Bow finger Gecko (Cyrtodactylus yakhuna) have faced a gradual decrease in their populations during the past five decades. This is possibly due to habitat loss, increase in predators like common crow, coucal, peacock, macaques and due to rapid changes in land use patterns. With rapid urbanization lo the central hills, Lyriocephalus is increasingly predated by macaques in Kandyan home gardens In the past decade, and the other agamids face similar threats. The fragmentation of habitats and the loss of connectivity impact the future viability of many endemic lizard species along with being over-exposed to natural predators. Moreover, during the past few years, there is increasing evidence of organized animal trafficking in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan reptiles, especially agamids, are now regularly offered for sale on classified reptile websites and social media sites.

Keywords: Ceratophora, Cophotis, Lyriocephalus, smuggling, threats.

How to Cite: Anslem de Silva,,Manori Gunawardena,, (2019). ENDEMIC SRI LANKAN LIZARDS IN THE INTERNATIONAL PET TRADE.WILDLANKA, 7(2):Pages 073-083

Published On:2019-09-30

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