English Common Name

Sakishima Tree Lizard

Scientific name

Japalura polygonota ishigakiensis

Taxonomy

Order: Squamata, Family: Agamidae

Size

16 cm to 27 cm

Species Distribution

Miyako, Okami, Ikema, Irabu, Kurima, Ishigaki, Iriomote, and Kohama Islands

Okinawan Common Name

Keybatari, Yama-inn, Yama-garra, Tofudajewmay. etc. (dialect in Yaeyama and Miyako)

Okinawa Red List of Threatened Species: Near Threatened

Japan Red List of Threatened Species: Near Threatened

This lizard is a subspecies of Okinawa Tree Lizard that inhabits Okinawa Island. Distinctions found between the sexes, called sexual dimorphisms, are significant with this species. A male’s total length is about 27 cm and a female’s about 20 cm. Males have a yellowish-white line on their sides as well as distinct serrated scales. Females are dark green and have patterns with dark brown.

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Updated May 2018

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