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LAGUNA CANYON FOUNDATION
April 2009 E-Letter ___________________________________
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Western Fence Lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis, in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, by Dianna Kujawski.
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I am the lizard king. I can do anything.
~Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors, 1943-1971
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Male lizards are the animal world's equivalent to body builders. They commonly perform push ups to threaten other males and show off for females. These rapid, bobbing movements display their colorful bellies and warn other males away from their territory. Sadly, although this behavior may impress other lizards, it has no effect on their many predators. Birds and snakes find the heat-seeking lizards easy pickings on the sunny, highly visible rocks and logs they favor. Although lizards are good at flexing their muscles, their only real defense against predators is to drop their tails. Because the tail continues to move after falling off, it provides a distraction and buys time for escape. But losing a tail comes with a high cost, leaving a lizard even more vulnerable to predation and costing a tremendous amount of energy to grow back. Avoiding the temptation to handle lizards helps them stay safe and us to KEEP IT WILD. |
Stretch your mind and your body with our next Yoga Hike on April 14 in Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Learn about animal and plant adaptations with the Adapt or Die hike on April 18 in Laguna Coast Wildernesss Park. See our complete calendar at http://www.lagunacanyon.org and call 949-923-2235 to sign up today!
Laguna Canyon Foundation is a donor-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing the South Coast Wilderness.
Questions? E-mail Ellen Girardeau Kempler, Communications Director, Laguna Canyon Foundation, lagunacf3@lagunacanyon.org
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