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Persian Long-tailed Desert Lizard

Persian Long-tailed Desert Lizard

Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India
Status
Not Evaluated

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
Grassland, Desert

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
Omnivorous

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
Diurnal

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

<div><p>Mesalina watsonana (Stoliczka, 1872)</p> <p>Distribution in Afghanistan.</p> <p>A common species with several records mainly from south of the Hindu Kush range. It is currently known from the following provinces: Badakhshan, Farah, Ghazni, Ghor, Helmand, Herat, Kabul, Kandahar, Khost, Logar, Nangarhar, Paktia, Paktika, Parwan, Uruzgan, Wardak and Zabul (Wagner et al. 2016; Jablonski et al. 2019; Fig. 5). Two localities mentioned by Wagner et al. (2016): " 40 km NE of Kandhar, on Tarnak River (CAS 90757-60 " and " Mil-Karez, Pol-Mil (MZLU L958/3230) " (p. 498) are not presented with coordinates. Therefore, they are absent from the map.</p> <p>Our records</p> <p>(Fig. 5). 1 - Lashkargāh, Helmand (3 September 2009), dozens of adult individuals in the semi-desert habitat; 2 - Kandahar, Air Base, Kandahar (22 October 2010), dozens of adult individuals (Fig. 7E, F) in the semi-desert with bushes near the runway.</p> <p>Remarks.</p> <p>Both records presented here are new locality data with original coordinates. However, they clearly correspond with the known species range in Afghanistan. Regan (2017) listed this species as " Mesalina guttulata " (pp. 30-31). This name was superseded by M. watsonana after being upgraded to full species status from a subspecies of M. guttulata.</p> </div>
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Persian Long-tailed Desert Lizard is officially designated as Not Evaluated. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to grassland, desert, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of diverse organic matter. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a its natural cycle activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Persian Long-tailed Desert Lizard.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangeTurkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India
Habitat RangeGrassland, Desert
Lifespan
StatusData Deficient
ScientificMesalina watsonana
Registry Info
LifespanUnknown
KingdomAnimalia
FamilyLacertidae