Home / Environment / New Hope for Rare Lizards: Zoo Atlanta Celebrates Hatchlings
New Hope for Rare Lizards: Zoo Atlanta Celebrates Hatchlings
29 May
Summary
- Two rare Guatemalan beaded lizards hatched recently at Zoo Atlanta.
- This critically endangered species faces severe threats from habitat loss and illegal trade.
- A hormone from this lizard aids in human diabetes and weight loss treatments.
Zoo Atlanta announced the recent hatching of two Guatemalan beaded lizards, a species critically endangered in the wild. These new arrivals, born on May 14 and 17, are reportedly healthy and thriving. The Guatemalan beaded lizard is exclusively found in the Motagua Valley of Guatemala, with an estimated wild population of only 500 to 600 individuals. Habitat loss and illegal trade pose significant threats to their survival.
Zoo Atlanta is one of only seven U.S. zoos to house this rare species and has been instrumental in their conservation for over 25 years, successfully hatching 46 lizards during this period. Their work is in collaboration with the Heloderma Natural Reserve of Guatemala. This reptile possesses a unique hormone that stabilizes blood sugar, which has been synthesized for use in human diabetes and weight loss medications, further emphasizing their global importance.
The new hatchlings are currently under close observation by the Herpetology team at the zoo's Conservation Breeding Center, ensuring their continued health and development as part of vital conservation initiatives.
