Other Free Encyclopedias :: Animal Life Resource :: Snakes, Crocodiles, Dinosaurs, and Other Reptiles - Vol 2

Gila Monster and Mexican Beaded Lizard: Helodermatidae - Physical Characteristics, Diet, Behavior And Reproduction, Gila Monsters, Mexican Beaded Lizards, And People - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, CONSERVATION STATUS

GILA MONSTER (Heloderma suspectum): SPECIES ACCOUNT

GEOGRAPHIC RANGE

They live in North and Central America from the southwestern United States to northwestern Mexico, in Guatemala, and also in the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico.

HABITAT

Gila monsters and beaded lizards stay in deserts usually, although some make their homes in dry grassland, in shrubby forests on hillsides, or in nearby areas that have boulders or burrows where they can hide.

CONSERVATION STATUS

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) considers both species in this family as Vulnerable, which means that they face a high risk of extinction in the wild. The destruction of their habitat, particularly as it is developed for housing or other human uses, is one of the biggest reasons they are at risk. Another reason for their low numbers is that humans sometimes illegally collect them for the pet trade or for personal pets.

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