Gila Monsters - Habitat
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Source:
Poisonous Animals © 2000
Team C007974 Thinkquest
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Gila Monsters inhabit desert and semi arid regions of sandy soils with shrubs. These lizards prefer wet areas, where shrubs grow. A Gila Monster can also live in rocky slopes, arroyos and canyon bottoms that have streams. Gila Monsters spend plenty of time in underground dens. They are found under rocks, in burrows they dig themselves, and in burrows made by other animals. Gila Monsters - Adaptations
To survive in the severe environment of desert, Gila Monsters possess several adaptations. Their large bodies allow them to consume large amounts of food in a short period. During the periods when food is scarce, these lizards survive due to the fact that fat is stored in their body, the tails in particular. Thanks to this adaptation, they can feed rather infrequently. Their fat is burnt up slowly, as Gila Monsters have a low metabolic rate.
Gila Monsters have poison glands. Their hard bite tends to leave a wound one and a half inch deep. The venom is designed for protection. Since Gila Monsters have colorful, beadlike skin, it serves as a wonderful camouflage in the desert environment as another form of protection.
Gila Monsters - Conservation Status
Gila Monsters are not listed as threatened and endangered. They are classified as protected in some states, such as Utah and Arizona where Gila Monsters are losing their habitat due to urbanization. Since they are poisonous, these lizards are sometimes killed out of fear. Illegal collection of Gila Monsters has also decreased their population in some states. Gila Monsters - General Information Links
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Source:
VenomousReptiles.org © 2000
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Americas Aztec Lizard - Notes by Jerry Cole.
Animal Grial - A picture, and a physical description.
Creature of the Month - View the picture and learn information on the Gila Monster, a large, thick-bodied lizard.
Don Patterson Gilas - Images of the lizards.
Ecoviews - Gila Monsters make the world interesting. An article written by Whit Gibbons.
Endangered Species Project - Contains a comprehensive description, information on the environment of the species, some problems and solutions.
Gila Monster Animals - A picture and the origin of the specimen.
Gila Monster Article - Description of Gila Monsters and their cousins, Mexican beaded lizards, the only two venomous lizards in the world.
Gila Monster Background - Background, signs and symptoms of envenomation, and first aid.
Gila Monster Characteristics - Description, characteristics, habitat, distribution, and more.
Gila Monster Characteristics - Physical description, and treatment.
Gila Monster Features - General description and adaptations.
Gila Monster Info - Status in the wild, range, and habitat.
Gila Monster Natural History - Natural history, and defense.
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Source:
DrSeward.com © 2002
Dr. Mark Seward
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Gila Monster Photos - Look at these amazing lizards.
Gila Monster Picture - Species description, and a picture.
Gila Monster Profile - Gila Monster short information.
Gila Monsters by Luke - Read about this one of only two poisonous lizards in the world.
Gila Monsters General Information - Fact sheet on the species.
Gila Monsters in Brief - Description of the species from the encyclopedia.
Heloderma Image Gallery - View pictures of these lizards.
Helodermatidae - The family of Helodermatidae consists of one genus and two species. On this page, you will find information on these two species.
National Geographic - Explorer examines the consequences when humans and monsters meet at the desert's shrinking edge.
Phoenix Zoo - Size, range, adaptations, and more information on the species.
Poisonous Lizards - Informational page about the only poisonous lizard known to the world.
Reptiles and Amphibians - Brief information and fun facts on the reptiles.
Reptiles: Gila Monsters - Species outline.
Reptilia: Heloderma - Range, description, variation, pictures, and additional comments.
Resource Information - Description, and resource links.
Snakes and Other Reptiles - Learn about this large, poisonous lizard, which lives in deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
The Gila Monster - Read about the species that represents a family all to itself, with only two species: Heloderma horridum and Heloderma suspectum.
The Gila Monster by Gina - Did you know that out of 3,000 species of lizards only the Gila Monster (and the Beaded lizard) are the only venomous lizards in the world? Find out a number of other fascination facts on this page.
The Gila Monster Lizard - Description of the species.
The Gila Monster Outline - Range, habitat, behavior, and general description.
