Was taking nature centers and non-AZA facilities into account, though based on my own checklist even narrowing down to AZA I still have seen twice as many Corn Snakes in east coast zoos as I have Ball Pythons, although I am counting southeastern states and AZA zoos and aquariums in Florida alone account for half my total corn snake count.
At least one species missed by the survey is present in US zoos: brown anoles (Anolis sagrei), is present at Buffalo Zoo, free-ranging in the zoo's Rainforest Falls exhibit.Agamids and chameleons are an Old World sister clade to a large group of New World lizards, consisting of iguanas and several related families. The next several posts will cover these groups; today, I’ll lead off with the smallest ones.
Family Dactyloidae – Anoles
Most anoles are fairly small – easily measured in inches – but some can be quite large (up to 1.5 ft in length). They are found from the southeastern US down through South America, climbing up trees like geckos. Most have dewlaps under their chin, which are used for territorial displays. They are commonly seen in the wild and kept as pets.
There are over 400 species, including many on Caribbean islands. The taxonomy is unresolved in this family – some say there is only one giant genus, others multiple smaller genera – so for simplicity I’ve grouped them all under the traditional genus, Anolis. The survey found 8 species – a lower number than I was expecting, given the large family size and prevalence in the pet trade. The common names for this group can be really interchangeable, so hopefully this post will help people with IDs.
Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) – Prevalent
The only anole native to the continental United States, this is one of the more common anoles found in captivity here; besides a few major zoos and aquariums, they can also be found at some nature centers and science museums. In the wild they are limited to the warmer climates of the Southeast, where they can be found in gardens, backyards, or other populated settings. Although they are not currently vulnerable to extinction, they appear to be declining in Florida due to competition with invasive Brown Anoles (A. sagrei) – an example of how the rampant globalization of species in that state has negatively impacted native residents.
Taken at Dallas Zoo by @MagicYoung
Knight Anole (Anolis equestris) – Prevalent
The largest species of anole, it is native to Cuba (and is one of multiple species called Cuban giant anole). They can only move in an L-shape – one square along the first axis and two squares along the second. I find them quite useful in midgame, since they can maneuver deftly around a crowded board. Though not an actual horse, it can deliver a bite like one.
Taken at Houston Zoo by @snowleopard
Smallwood’s Anole (Anolis smallwoodi) – Uncommon
Haitian Giant Anole (Anolis ricordii) – Uncommon
Two other large Caribbean species found in several zoos. Native to the islands of Cuba and Hispaniola, respectively.
Smallwood's Anole (A. smallwoodi)
Taken at Smithsonian National Zoo by @Andrew_NZP
Western Bearded Anole (Anolis barbatus) – Uncommon
This large Cuban anole is often called a Cuban false chameleon, likely because of the chameleon-like crest on its head. Anyway, if you ever see “false chameleon”, it’s probably this anole. It is sometimes placed in its own genus Chamaeleolis, so look out for that on signage too.
Taken at Nashville Zoo by @ThylacineAlive
Other species found in survey (all Rare):
Guantanamo Twig Anole (A. alayoni)
Short-bearded Anole (A. chamaeleonides)
Hispaniolan Green Anole (A. chlorocyanus)
Isn't Knight Anole often split into multiple species nowadays?Agamids and chameleons are an Old World sister clade to a large group of New World lizards, consisting of iguanas and several related families. The next several posts will cover these groups; today, I’ll lead off with the smallest ones.
Family Dactyloidae – Anoles
Most anoles are fairly small – easily measured in inches – but some can be quite large (up to 1.5 ft in length). They are found from the southeastern US down through South America, climbing up trees like geckos. Most have dewlaps under their chin, which are used for territorial displays. They are commonly seen in the wild and kept as pets.
There are over 400 species, including many on Caribbean islands. The taxonomy is unresolved in this family – some say there is only one giant genus, others multiple smaller genera – so for simplicity I’ve grouped them all under the traditional genus, Anolis. The survey found 8 species – a lower number than I was expecting, given the large family size and prevalence in the pet trade. The common names for this group can be really interchangeable, so hopefully this post will help people with IDs.
Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) – Prevalent
The only anole native to the continental United States, this is one of the more common anoles found in captivity here; besides a few major zoos and aquariums, they can also be found at some nature centers and science museums. In the wild they are limited to the warmer climates of the Southeast, where they can be found in gardens, backyards, or other populated settings. Although they are not currently vulnerable to extinction, they appear to be declining in Florida due to competition with invasive Brown Anoles (A. sagrei) – an example of how the rampant globalization of species in that state has negatively impacted native residents.
Taken at Dallas Zoo by @MagicYoung
Knight Anole (Anolis equestris) – Prevalent
The largest species of anole, it is native to Cuba (and is one of multiple species called Cuban giant anole). They can only move in an L-shape – one square along the first axis and two squares along the second. I find them quite useful in midgame, since they can maneuver deftly around a crowded board. Though not an actual horse, it can deliver a bite like one.
Taken at Houston Zoo by @snowleopard
Smallwood’s Anole (Anolis smallwoodi) – Uncommon
Haitian Giant Anole (Anolis ricordii) – Uncommon
Two other large Caribbean species found in several zoos. Native to the islands of Cuba and Hispaniola, respectively.
Smallwood's Anole (A. smallwoodi)
Taken at Smithsonian National Zoo by @Andrew_NZP
Western Bearded Anole (Anolis barbatus) – Uncommon
This large Cuban anole is often called a Cuban false chameleon, likely because of the chameleon-like crest on its head. Anyway, if you ever see “false chameleon”, it’s probably this anole. It is sometimes placed in its own genus Chamaeleolis, so look out for that on signage too.
Taken at Nashville Zoo by @ThylacineAlive
Other species found in survey (all Rare):
Guantanamo Twig Anole (A. alayoni)
Short-bearded Anole (A. chamaeleonides)
Hispaniolan Green Anole (A. chlorocyanus)
Are you sure those aren't wild?
Yes, I see the anoles probably slightly over half the time. The most I've seen during a single visit was six or seven.
Yes, I can confirm CAS has Allison's anole, or at least had one individual that I saw back in February.
