#4

The blunt-nosed leopard lizard belonging to the Gambelia sila (gambelia silus) phyla is endangered and there are few lizards left roaming. This type of lizard is a little bit on the larger side compared to other lizards and has big regenerative tails. The blunt- nosed leopard lizard also has very powerful hind legs with a short dull snout. The size of male lizards are about 9-12 cm in length not including the tail and weighing about 37-43 grams. The female lizards is ranging from about 9-11 cm long and weighing anywhere from 23-34 grams. Blunt nosed lizards are traditionally a little more darker in coloring than other garden lizards but they still experience variations in colors and attain different types of patterns on their backs. The average background color is typically a yellowish grey-brown to a dark grey. The difference in colors normally depends on the color or the surrounding soil and also the vegetation of the land. The blunt-nosed leopard lizard is fully protected by the state and no one may remove or handle one of these lizards without a license or verified permit. If anyone is caught handling one of these animals they are violating Game Code Sections 3511, 4700, 5050, and also 5515 of the fish and games rules and regulations and can be fined. The biggest threats to these creatures are habitat disturbances and destruction. The species is thought to decline due to the rapid destruction of habitats made by other bigger animals. Habitats for these lizards are usually small abandoned underground tunnels made by squirrels or rats. Another common habitat for these lizards are on underdeveloped plots of land along the San Joaquin Valley. Recently there is a very invasive plant species that is overrunning these lizards and if we cannot regulate these plants the number of lizards is going to continue to decline. 

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