Description: There are quite a few species and subspecies living in almost every type of habitat throughout the Canary Island archipelago. They are all rather large and some are considered "giants". With a size range of about 14" to about 32" and a number of different colors and patterns, this is a diverse genus. Most are omnivorous (lacertids are usually insectivorous), making them important for seed dispersal. Some are considered to be pests and are killed by the local fruit farmers while others have become tame enough to take food from your hands, much to the delight of tourists.
The Canary Islands are a volcanic archipelago, located off the northwest coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. They consist of 7 main islands and make up one of the Spanish Autonomous Communities. From northwest to the east these islands and their Gallotia lizards are:

La Palma: Western Canaries lizard or Southern Tenerife lizard, G. galloti (also found on Tenerife), a smaller type (as are all of its’ subspecies), growing to between 15 and 16". Adult males have a striking blue color starting on the head. La Palma lizard, G. galloti palmae. La Palma giant lizard, G. auaritae, recently rediscovered (after it was believed to be long extinct) in the northeast part of the island where it lives from sea level up to 2500’.

El Hierro: Boettger's lizard, G. caesaris (also found on La Gomera), has one subspecies. This is a smaller close relative to G. galloti. El Hierro giant lizard, G. simonyi machadoi, once lived throughout the island but is nearly extinct now and only found in a few small areas. G. simonyi was the original nominate species but is now extinct.
This is the smallest of the main islands.

La Gomera: Boettger's lizard, G. caesaris (also found on El Hierro). La Gomera giant lizard, G. bravoana, the unique bright white around the mouth, neck and chest, contrasting with a darker brown body color makes this species easy to identify.
This is the second smallest of the main islands.

Tenerife: Western Canaries lizard or Southern Tenerife lizard, G. galloti (also found on La Palma). Northern Tenerife lizard, G. galloti eisentrauti. Anaga lizard, G. galloti insulanagae is from a small mountain range in the northeastern part of the island. Tenerife Speckled lizard, G. intermedia is a recently discovered species of the larger type, but it is smaller than the rest.
This is the largest and most populated of the Canary Islands.

Gran Canaria: Atlantic lizard, G. atlantica (also found on Fuerteventura and Lanzarote) is a small type with 4 subspecies. It lives in a variety of habitats including temperate forests/ brush lands, seashores and rocky areas. It is also often seen in areas disturbed by people such as farmlands and gardens. Gran Canaria giant lizard, G. stehlini grows up to 32".

Fuerteventura: Atlantic lizard, G. atlantica (also found on Gran Canaria and Lanzarote). G. stehlini was introduced from Gran Canaria and has become established.

Lanzarote: Atlantic lizard, G. atlantica (also found on Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura).

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna