Soufriere, St. Lucia
Although the Caribbean is known for its colorful cultures, beaches and resorts, scientifically it is well-known for its lizards. The entire region is particularly rich in reptiles, with over 500 species, of which 470 (94 percent) are endemic. In terrestrial habitats, their diversity rivals that of birds. And while the Galápagos Islands may lay claim to Darwin’s finches, a similar and perhaps more profound radiation has occurred in a small lizard called anoles (Genus: Anolis).
At last tally, there were over 154 Anolis species found in the Caribbean, of which nearly all are endemic (150 species). Nearly every island, no matter how small, supports at least one endemic species. If the island is large enough there may be two species, but they will occur in different habitats. On the largest island, several species will occur within the same area but specialize in feeding on the ground, on tree trunks, in branches, and so on, dividing up the habitat into finely delineated niches.
Male Anoles proclaim their territories and attract females with pulsating throat pouches or dewlaps. Long called, incorrectly, American chameleons, Anoles can change their skin colors quickly to display emotional state or simply to blend into the background. Their evolutionary history and flamboyant behavior have long made them popular subjects for field studies. Their tameness, abundance, and tropical locations have also contributed to their popularity. One wonders what Darwin would have made of these intriguing lizards.
As we strolled through the botanical richness of the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens,
the sole species of St. Lucian Anole (Anolis lucia) seemed to be everywhere, scurrying about in the lush vegetation. Bold displays of orchids, ginger, bird-of-paradise, and other tropical flowers attracted insects which tempted the lizards into their own boldness. These little lizard imps seemed like miniature guardians of the gardens.
At the head of the canyon surrounding this old cocoa plantation, a waterfall formed from a stream rushing off the nearby volcano, plunging into a series of hot mineral pools.
Bonaparte’s Empress Josephine grew up on this enchanting island and, as a young girl, frequented these bathes. But these little lizards are discreet about what secrets they keep.
Although the Caribbean is known for its colorful cultures, beaches and resorts, scientifically it is well-known for its lizards. The entire region is particularly rich in reptiles, with over 500 species, of which 470 (94 percent) are endemic. In terrestrial habitats, their diversity rivals that of birds. And while the Galápagos Islands may lay claim to Darwin’s finches, a similar and perhaps more profound radiation has occurred in a small lizard called anoles (Genus: Anolis).
At last tally, there were over 154 Anolis species found in the Caribbean, of which nearly all are endemic (150 species). Nearly every island, no matter how small, supports at least one endemic species. If the island is large enough there may be two species, but they will occur in different habitats. On the largest island, several species will occur within the same area but specialize in feeding on the ground, on tree trunks, in branches, and so on, dividing up the habitat into finely delineated niches.
Male Anoles proclaim their territories and attract females with pulsating throat pouches or dewlaps. Long called, incorrectly, American chameleons, Anoles can change their skin colors quickly to display emotional state or simply to blend into the background. Their evolutionary history and flamboyant behavior have long made them popular subjects for field studies. Their tameness, abundance, and tropical locations have also contributed to their popularity. One wonders what Darwin would have made of these intriguing lizards.
As we strolled through the botanical richness of the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens,
the sole species of St. Lucian Anole (Anolis lucia) seemed to be everywhere, scurrying about in the lush vegetation. Bold displays of orchids, ginger, bird-of-paradise, and other tropical flowers attracted insects which tempted the lizards into their own boldness. These little lizard imps seemed like miniature guardians of the gardens.
At the head of the canyon surrounding this old cocoa plantation, a waterfall formed from a stream rushing off the nearby volcano, plunging into a series of hot mineral pools.
Bonaparte’s Empress Josephine grew up on this enchanting island and, as a young girl, frequented these bathes. But these little lizards are discreet about what secrets they keep.
