EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Dragon with a Long Nose and Tail

Long-nosed Dragon (Gowidon [Amphibolurus] longirostris), Family Agamidae
Northern Territory, Australia

Explanation:  This "dragon" -- a member of the Agamidae family, here in northern Australia -- is largely arboreal.  The genus Gowidon (previously considered as a synonym with Amphibolurus) consists of just the one species, seen here:  the Long-nosed Dragon.  

We have encountered a few other dragons in earlier EPOW episodes, such as the Eastern Two-lined Dragon, the Swamplands Lashtail, and the Gilbert's Dragon.  But none competes with this stretcher. 

This old-world Agamid lizard is only half-well-named.  Indeed, it does sport a long nose (rostrum) that is longer than those of its other dragon cousins.

But check out the other end of this reptile:
  

 

This species has one of the longest tails compared to body length, of most lizards.

 

Populations seem secure, in part because Australia's tropics and hot northern savanna woodlands are largely unmodified.  This has provided conditions for a high level of species endemism and genetic diversity in lizards there (Melville et al. 2011).

 

 

Also, an alternate common name for the species is Long-snouted Lashtail, which fits better.

 

 

 

And look at how well it blends into the shade of this
eucalyptus, hiding in plain sight!
  

           
Information:
    Melville, J., E.G. Ritchie, S.N.J. Chapple, R.E. Glor, and J.A. Schulte, II.  2011.  Evolutionary origins and diversification of dragon lizards in Australia’s tropical savannas.  Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 58(2):257-270.

Acknowledgment:  
    My deep thanks to Deane Lewis for driving the 6,000 km on this amazing journey across central and northern Australia, and finding me this wonderful lizard in the remote northern Outback somewhere between the town of Daly Waters and the tropical Top End of Northern Territory.