New records and natural history of the Escambray Twig Anole, Anolis garridoi (Squamata: Dactyloidae)

Abstract

The Cuban endemic Escambray Twig Anole, Anolis garridoi (Squamata: Dactyloidae), was known only from a limited geographic range of less than 10 km2 in the vicinity of the type locality at Topes de Collantes, Guamuhaya Massif, central Cuba. The ecology and behavior of this species is poorly known and the number of photographs in life very limited. Herein we report A. garridoi from seven new localities, extending its geographic range by more than 60 km and its elevational distribution to 30–1,140 m. We provide baseline data on habitat use, thermal niche, and behavior of the species at Pico San Juan Ecological Reserve. We also describe the juveniles of this species for the first time and provide additional morphometric data for adults. Finally, we present a collection of quality photographs of live individuals of this species illustrating the different color patterns and behaviors.