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Family : AGAMIDAE
Species : Bronchocela burmana
Size (snout to vent) : up to 9.4 cm
Size (total length) : ~39 cm
This
slender, brightly coloured lizard inhabits wet evergreen forest in peninsular Myanmar and
parts of peninsular Thailand (i.e. that part of Thailand that lies west of
the Gulf Of Siam), including Phetchaburi Province.
In southernmost Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia, this
small-bodied Bronchocela lizard is replaced by other species
including the widespread
Green Crested Lizard
(Bronchocela cristatella) which is much larger in size.
First described in 1878, but
subsequently not generally recognised as a distinct species, Bronchocela
burmana was resurrected as a valid species in 2017 (Zug et al, 2017).
The typical colouration of the Burmese Green Crested Lizard is bright green
with narrow bands of pale spots on the flanks, a pale marking
beneath the tympanum (external ear drum) and a yellowish throat. The tail is
greenish to brownish, with pale bands. (In the example shown here the pale
markings on the body and beneath the tympanum are light blue.)
The nuchal spines (at the back of the neck) are triangular and noticeably
smaller than some related species. There is an absence of any noticeable
spines on the trunk.
Zug et al interpret that the extremely long tail (greater than 3 times
head-body length) of this and other Bronchocela species is an
adaptation which allows exploration of the extreme tips of slender branches
of trees and shrubs.
Figs 1 and 2 : Example from Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi
province, Thailand.
Fig 3 : Streamside habitat of this example from Kaeng Krachan.
All photos thanks to Charles Currin.
References :
George R. Zug, Daniel G. Mulcahy, Jens V. Vindum. (2017). Resurrection of
Bronchocela burmana Blanford, 1878 for the Green Crested Lizard
(Squamata, Agamidae) of southern Myanmar. ZooKeys, (657), 141-156.
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