Hierro giant lizard

Description

Gallotia simonyi is a species of lacertid (wall lizard) that can be found on the island of El Hierro,one of the Canary Islands.The species was once present throughout much of the island and on the small offshore Roque Chico de Salmor,but is now confined to a few small areas of cliff with sparse vegetation.It is currently restricted to the southern end of the Risco de Tibataje in la Fuga de Gorreta,located between Guinea and the so-called Paso del Pino (an area of about four hectares).The species was also successfully reintroduced to the Roque Chico de Salmor in 1999,and subsequent reintroductions have taken place at Julan and at la Dehesa.(Miras & Pérez-Mellado 2005b)