List of reptiles of Canada

List of reptiles of Canada

This is a list of the reptiles species recorded in Canada. There are few reptiles in Canada, as only a few species have been able to adapt to the diverse, generally colder Canadian climate. Most species are confined to the southernmost parts of the country. At higher latitudes, the harsh conditions, especially in winter, make it impossible for these cold-blooded animals to survive.

Order Squamata

Of the order Squamata, lizards and snakes are represented. There are no known amphisbaenids native to Canada.

Lizards

There are exactly five species of lizards occurring in Canada:
* The Five-lined Skink ("Eumeces fasciatus") occurs in southern Ontario in the Great Lakes region.
* There is an isolated population of the Northern Prairie Skink ("Eumeces septentrionalis septentrionalis") in south-western Manitoba.
* The Western Skink ("Eumeces skiltonianus skiltonianus", "Skilton's Skink") is found in southern British Columbia.
* The Northern Alligator Lizard ("Elgaria coerulea principis", "Northwestern Alligator Lizard") is also found in southern British Columbia.
* The Short-horned Lizard occurs in B.C.'s Columbia River basin as "Phrynosoma douglassi"; and in isolated locations in south-eastern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan as "Phrynosoma hernandesi hernandesi".

Sixth Lizard

The taxonomy of the Short-horned Lizard is unclear. Recent research suggests that it is two distinct species, as indicated by the scientific names given above (thus granting Canada "six" species of lizards). However, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada has reported the "P. douglasii" as "extirpated" in British Columbia as of 1992. Since the species seems to thrive in the neighbouring U.S. regions of the Columbia River basin, it seems likely that it continues to inhabit small areas of British Columbia.

Order Testudines

Of the order Testudines, turtles, tortoises and terrapins are all represented, with species like Painted turtles and Red-eared sliders for terrapins. Testudines are common in all of Canada's provinces, with the exception of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Orders Crocodilia and Sphenodontia

Like the amphisbaenids, there are no known native species of the Orders Crocodilia (crocodiles, gavials, caimans and alligators) or Sphenodontia (tuatara, found only in New Zealand) in Canada.

ee also

*Lists of reptiles by region


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