The species Ouroborus cataphractus was classified by the IUCN as Vulnerable until 1996, but has since been downgraded to Least Concern. The neighboring distance correlates to the fidelity of the Armadillo species. While the group that was less in fidelity had a less neighboring distance. The group that was greater in fidelity had a greater neighboring distance. One hundred and six individuals from 27 groups were marked and recaptured regularly from May until September 2002. Females give birth once a year at most some take a year off between births.
The female may even feed her young, which is also unusual for a lizard. The female armadillo girdled lizard gives birth to one or two live young the species is one of the few lizards that does not lay eggs. This behavior, which resembles that of the mythical ouroboros and of the mammalian armadillo, gives it its taxonomic and English common names. In this shape, it is protected from predators by the thick, squarish scales along its back and the spines on its tail. The armadillo girdled lizard possesses an uncommon antipredator adaptation, in which it rolls into a ball and takes its tail in its mouth when frightened. In its defensive position it looks like an Ourobouros
Males are territorial, protecting a territory and mating with the females living there. It lives in social groups of up to 30 to 60 individuals of all ages, but usually fewer. In the wild, its most common prey items are termites, especially Microhodotermes viator and Hodotermes mossambicus. In captivity, it is commonly fed crickets. The armadillo girdled lizard feeds mainly on small invertebrates, such as insects and spiders, but sometimes also may take plant material. It inhabits rock outcrops and mountain slopes, preferably on sandstone substrate. cataphractus is endemic to the Succulent Karoo biome in the Northern and the Western Cape provinces of South Africa, where it occurs from the southern Richtersveld to the Piketberg Mountains and the southern Tankwa Karoo. It may grow to a maximum size of 8 in (20 cm) SVL. Its size can range from 7.5 to 9 cm (3.0 to 3.5 in) in snout- vent length (SVL). The underbelly is yellow with a blackish pattern, especially under the chin. Strict law enforcement and public awareness is required to stop illegal trade in this species.The armadillo girdled lizard can be a light brown to dark brown in coloration.Various studies on the biology and ecology of this species by the University of Stellenbosch contribute to their conservation management.This species is protected under the Nature Conservation Ordinance of the Western Cape Province and is on Schedule II of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).Because they live in family groups and are relatively easy to catch, the international illegal reptile pet trade is an additional threat.Poor land management can lead to habitat degradation and loss.Once a year in autumn, the female gives birth to one relatively big baby.Īrmadillo lizards are endemic to the mountains and rocky hills of the Succulent Karoo region of western South Africa from the Orange River southwards to north of Porterville and eastwards to west of Laingsburg. They are social animals and form family groups of up to 60 individuals in one crevice. These lizards are strict rock-dwellers and live in horizontal crevices. These termite mounds are often far from their crevices, and they must therefore move distances of between 4–20 m to find this food source. They were thought to be only sit-and-wait feeders, but studies have shown that most of their stomach contents consist of termites. These relatively slow-moving lizards are very shy and quick to hide when approached. These lizards are associated with rocky habitats in dry succulent karoo veld and in close proximity to termite mounds (termites are an important food source – see below). They can stay in this position for up to an hour.
#Armadillo lizard food crack#
This species has characteristic defence behaviour: when they are in danger and cannot reach a crevice or rock crack to hide in, they will roll into a ball and bite their tail, protecting their softer underside. The males and females are very similar and can reach an average total length of about 150-200 mm. There are several rows of sharp heavy spines covering the back of the tail, which is not easily discarded as in many other lizards. The underside is smooth and yellow with some dark brown markings. This heavily-armoured, stocky lizard varies in colour from greyish brown to light yellowish brown. Armadillo girdled lizard Pantstergordelakkedis