New Iguana Species Discovered in Chile

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New Iguana Species Discovered in Chile

Liolaemus uniformis is a mountain lizard, found about 3,000 meters above sea level.

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Researchers in Chile have discovered a new iguana species from the Valparaíso Region of Chile. The iguana, Liolaemus uniformis has most likely been confused with L. monticola and L. bellii over the years. 

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Liolaemus uniformis iguana

Jaime Troncoso-Palacios

Male and female Liolaemus uniformis lizards have brown upper bodies and sides and a copper coloration on the back.

Scientist Jaime Troncoso-Palacios of the Universidad de Chile discovered the reptiles in the mountains of central Chile, at about 3,000 meters above sea level. The lizard were in high abundance and are relatively uniform in coloration, hence the name. Most other lizard species in the region have wide ranging colorations, even within the same species. 

Male and female Liolaemus uniformis lizards have brown upper bodies and sides and a copper coloration on the back. The tail is light brown. The belly of both male and female is whitish in coloration. Males are slightly larger at around 8.5 cm in length while females are 7 cm in length. They are active during the days, hidden amongst the rocks, and are omnivorous, feeding on plant material, insects and roundworms. 

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The complete paper describing Liolaemus uniformis can be found on the Zookeys website.