La Gomera Giant Lizard

Gallotia bravoana

It's already really awesome when a species is "rediscovered." Until about ten years ago, most had thought that this large lizard species was extinct. And not only recently extinct, but extinct for about 500 years!

In 2000, Biologists from La Laguna University discovered six specemins hiding out on the cliffs of La Gomera, one of the Canary Islands. Before this finding the species had only been known from fossilized remains.

There are now about 90 wild individuals and 40 in captivity, and species protection plans have been put in to place to keep this rare species alive. Their major threats include habitat loss and feral cats and rats (enemies to many a species!)

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IUCN Status :  Critically Endangered

Location : La Gomera, Canary Islands

Size : Full length up to 4ft (1.2m)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Reptilia -- Order : Squamata 
Family : Lacertidae -- Genus : Gallotia -- Species : G. bravoana