The Cape Cliff Lizard (Hemicordylus capensis) is a lizard species endemic to the Cape Fold Belt of southern South Africa.

Cape Cliff Lizard
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Cordylidae
Genus: Hemicordylus
Species:
H. capensis
Binomial name
Hemicordylus capensis
(Smith, 1838)
Synonyms
  • Cordylus capensis
  • Pseudocordylus capensis
  • Hemicordylus robertsi

Description

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The maximum snout-to-vent length is about 76 mm. Like its sister species Hemicordylus nebulosus, it has gracile features, with a phenotype described as intermediate between typical Cordylus and the larger, more robust Pseudocordylus. They have long limbs, and long slender digits. Some populations are melanistic and sexually dichromatic.

Habits

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Their specialized adaptation to steep rock faces is believed to have favoured their agility and lightly armored anatomy.[2] They give live birth to one to three young.

References

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  1. ^ Bates, M.F. (2018). "Hemicordylus capensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T110160470A115675522. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T110160470A115675522.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  2. ^ Eifler et al., 2007; Janse van Rensburg, 2009; Janse van Rensburg et al., 2009
  • Hemicordylus resurrected: Stanley et al, 2011, Between a rock and a hard polytomy: Rapid radiation in the rupicolous girdled lizards (Squamata: Cordylidae)