Re.50 SITANA(Fan- throated Lizard)

 

Phylum: Chordata

Class   : Reptilia

Order  : Squamata

Family : Agamidae

Genus : Sitana

DESCRIPTION

Sitana is a genus of lizards, collectively known as the fan-throated lizards, from the family Agamidae. They are found in Nepal, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.The genus comprises fourteen species, including several recently discovered species, such as two new species from Sri Lanka. In 2016, a new genus named Sarada was erected, consisting of one former Sitana species and two newly described ones. Sarada is the sister genus of Sitana. Together they form a clade which sister group is otocryptis. Sitana are small to medium-sized lizards. They are ground dwellers, primarily eating insects but also mollusks and plant seeds. Males measure 37–47 mm (1.5–1.9 in) and females 36–52 mm (1.4–2.0 in) in snout–vent length. In an example of convergent, evolution, males have prominent dewlaps, similar to anoles which are used in communication during the breeding season. The dewlap may be small to large, depending on the species. Females lack the dewlap.

IUCN Status: Critically Endangered