Kingdom Animalia Order Squamata Genus Acanthodactylus Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Family Lacertidae Higher classification Acanthodactylus | |
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Scientific name Acanthodactylus mechriguensis Similar Acanthodactylus, Reptile, Lacertids, Scaled reptiles, Abronia martindelcampoi | ||
Acanthodactylus mechriguensis, the Tunisian fringe-fingered lizard, is a species of lizard in the Lacertidae family. It is endemic to Tunisia.
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Taxonomy
Some researchers do not consider A. mechriguensis to be a valid species, but instead a synonym of Acanthodactylus maculatus.
Distribution and habitat
The species appears to occur only at sea level, being known only from four localities on northern Tunisia beaches. It inhabits dunes with shrub and dry riverbeds.
Conservation status
Due to its very restricted distribution and small population size, A. mechringuensis is currently classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Its dune habitat is subject to disturbance by locals, and the development of a new port at one location and of greenhouse installations at another two has also affected the population.