Phrynosoma braconnieri

Description:

This species is endemic to southern Mexico the short-tailed horned lizard, occurs only in pine-oak woodland and xeric thorn-scrub of Puebla and Oaxaca, Mexico. It may also inhabit Veracruz. P. braconnieri can be distinguished from other horned lizard species by the following: one row of lateral abdominal fringe scales; two moderately developed occipital spines, short, heavy and separated; temporal horns very reduced; very short tail; all ventral scales keeled; and nostrils in the line of the canthus rostralis.

Habitat:

It is found in primary and secondary tropical deciduous forest, scrubland and primary oak forest. It can be found in traditional agricultural areas, such as corn fields. It is a viviparous species.

Notes:

In general, there appear to be no major threats to this species. Some populations are impacted by roads and others are overcollected for the pet trade. This species is protected by Mexican law under the category Pr (Special Protection). It is present in the Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Valley Biosphere Reserve. Further studies are needed into the biology and ecology of this species.