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Gila Monsters (Heloderma suspectum;
illustrated) and Beaded Lizards (H.
horridum) are the world’s only ven-
omous lizards. Populations of both
species are declining, primarily as a
consequence of habitat loss. See related
articles on pp. 178, 184, and 212.

IGUANA
International Reptile Conservation Foundation www.IRCF.org

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 3       SEPTEMBER 2006

H
aw

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reen A

noles (Anolis carolinensis) are descendants of escaped pets. T
hey

occupy w
hat w

as once a vacant ecological niche and thrive in association w
ith

introduced plants in the low
lands on all m

ajor islands(see related article on p. 198).

CCOONNSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN,,  NNAATTUURRAALL HHIISSTTOORRYY,,  AANNDD HHUUSSBBAANNDDRRYY OOFF RREEPPTTIILLEESS

ROBERT POWELL

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Populations of the Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) have disappeared in eastern and central Texas, and are decreasing in other areas
(see “Historical Perspectives” on p. 224 and the “Focus on Conservation” on p. 240).

Green Anoles (Anolis carolinensis) were first reported on O‘ahu in 1950,
and now occur on all of the major Hawaiian Islands. A recent introduc-
tion to Coconut Island (off O‘ahu) apparently failed (see article on p. 198).

Brown Treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) have caused the elimination of
most of Guam’s native forest birds, and decimated other birds, lizards,
and mammals (see travelogue on p. 216).

In March 2006, an adult female Cuban Iguana (Cyclura nubila) in a
population established on Isla Magueyes, Puerto Rico, chased, caught,
and ate a conspecific hatchling (see article on p. 206).

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The critically endangered Guatemalan Beaded Lizard (Heloderma hor-
ridum charlesbogerti) is restricted to forest remnants in the Motagua
Valley (see articles on pp. 178, 184, and 212).

Many aspects of the Fijian Crested Iguana’s (Brachylophus vitiensis) biol-
ogy remain unknown, mostly because of the remoteness of the unin-
habited Iguana Sanctuary Island of Yadua Taba (see article on p. 192).

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Ovulation in Emerald Treeboas (Corallus caninus) follows some time after
the cessation of breeding activity. During ovulation, many females hang
grossly distended midbody loops off their perches (see article on p. 209).

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Mexican Beaded Lizard (Heloderma horridum).

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