Atlas dwarf lizard

Atlas dwarf lizard
Conservation status
Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Lacertidae
Genus:	Atlantolacerta Arnold et al., 2007
Species:	A. andreanskyi
Binomial name
Atlantolacerta andreanskyi (Werner, 1929)

The Atlas dwarf lizard (Atlantolacerta andreanskyi) is the only species of genus Atlantolacerta in the wall lizard family, Lacertidae. It is endemic to Morocco, where it is restricted to High Atlas Mountain range. It is also found from 2,400 up to 3,800 m above sea level. Although this species is generally considered to be rare, animals are often well hidden in vegetation and may occur at higher densities than was first assumed. They can be very common in favourable conditions and are found in alpine meadows, scree, amongst boulders, and in areas of thorn cushion vegetation and thickets. They have long hibernation periods. The females lay three clutches of between one and three eggs per year. The species does not appear to be threatened, but it does occur in readily accessible areas, most especially by hikers.