Getting to Know the Chuckwalla

Grade Levels

10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade

Course, Subject

Science and Technology and Engineering Education, Environment and Ecology (Agriculture), Science

Related Academic Standards

3.1.3.A1 3.1.3.A1

Describe characteristics of living things that help to identify and classify them.

3.1.4.A1 3.1.4.A1

Classify plants and animals according to the physical characteristics that they share.

3.1.7.A1 3.1.7.A1

Describe the similarities and differences of physical characteristics in diverse organisms.

3.1.8.A8 3.1.8.A8

CHANGE AND CONSTANCY

Explain mechanisms organisms use to adapt to their environment.

4.1.4.A 4.1.4.A

Explain how living things are dependent upon other living and nonliving things for survival.

Explain what happens to an organism when its food supply, access to water, shelter or space (niche / habitat) is changed.
Identify similarities and differences between living organisms, ranging from single-celled to multi-cellular organisms through the use of microscopes, video, and other media.

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Organism Name

Common Name: Chuckwalla
Scientific Name: Sauromalus obesus

Classification Information

Kingdom: Animal
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Iguanidae
Genus: Sauromalus
Species: Obesus

Geographic Range and Habitat

The Chuckwalla can be found in the desert regions of southern California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Mexico.

This lizard dwell among the rocky outcrops and hillsides Mohave and Sonoran deserts.

Physical Characteristics

This is a bulky lizard of approximately 16 inches in length. The skin forms loose folds along the sides of the body. Adult males have black heads and forelimbs. The trunk of the male may be black, red, orange, gray or yellow. Females and juveniles are less colorful with gray or yellow banding. There are femoral pores on the inside of the male’s thighs. It is believed that the fluid secreted from these pores is a way of marking territory.

Habits

The Chuckwalla is a diurnal iguana, emerging in the morning to bask in the sun before seeking food. The Chuckwalla is a shy lizard. If approached it will slip into crevices in the rocks and gulp in air to wedge itself in.

Diet

The diet of this herbivorous iguana consists of fruit, leaves, buds and flowers. It seems particularly attracted to yellow flowers.

Reproduction

Chuckwallas breed between April and July. The female lays between 6-16 eggs which hatch in late September.

Natural History

No information located at this time.

Captive History

No information located at this time.

Conservation

Currently, the Chuckwalla is an animal of Federal Special Concern. Habitat destruction is the primary concern.

Did You Know?

The Chuckwalla is the second largest American lizard, the Gila Monster is the largest.

Author

The Buffalo Zoo

Description

As the third oldest zoo in the United States, the Buffalo Zoo houses some of the world's most exotic and endangered wildlife. In collaboration with the Center for Applied Technologies in Education, the Buffalo Zoo has provided these animal profiles to offer a glimpse into the diversity of the Zoo’s collection.

Getting to Know the Chuckwalla