Those are S. occidentalis. I don't think those are part of the exhibit. The male (back) would have an electric blue tail if it was S. jarrovi. The scales on S. occidentalis are also much smaller and duller than S. jarrovi. These lizards also don't have the classic collar found on S. jarrovi.
@Reptiles Rule - Thanks for the information! I was going solely based on what I was told was specifically in the collection by the herp staff. You must be right then that these particular animals are just wild lizards that found their way into the exhibit.
Dang. At the time I thought they just looked like regular S. occidentalis, so I was surprised to learn they might be something more unique. I appreciate the reality check though @Reptiles Rule.
There are a handful of lizard species signed for this outdoor exhibit, but I never seem to have much success at seeing them.
My apologies for getting your hopes up for something more interesting, @Coelacanth18
I have also never seen any of the other lizard species listed for that exhibit, and I have only ever seen the Sceloropus once. Since wild lizards are obviously getting into the exhibit…. I wonder if the collection lizards were also getting out… It makes me wonder to what degree that exhibit is actually used for collection lizards now.
I think the only permanent residents in there are a gopher tortoise and a chuckwalla (I think). I've never seen either and only seen one fence lizard sitting atop the rock barrier.
@Reptiles Rule There is a desert tortoise living in the enclosure, it's the only animal I see every time (usually in its burrow). I've also seen side-blotched lizards in there, which are signed but also common wild in the area so now I wonder if they are also just break-ins. Also haven't seen a chuckwalla in there, at least not recently.
@Coelacanth18 I think they used to have a chuckwalla in there but they may have moved it inside. I think it might now be with the Gila Monsters based on the pictures I saw. It also might only be outside when its hot out during the summer. Now its been kind of chilly so it might not be on display outside.
