Gerrhosauridae

Gerrhosauridae is a family of lizards belonging to the suborder Lacertilia, commonly known as gerrhosaurs or flat lizards. The family comprises approximately 25 species distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, with a few species extending into southern Europe and the Middle East. These lizards are characterized by their flattened bodies, short legs, and reduced tails, which contribute to their burrowing and semi-fossorial lifestyle.

Gerrhosaurids typically inhabit arid and semi-arid environments, including savannas, deserts, and rocky areas. Their flattened bodies and strong limbs allow them to dig into loose soil or sand, providing shelter from predators and extreme temperatures. Some species, such as the Cape flat lizard (*Platysaurus broadleyi*), are highly specialized burrowers, spending much of their time underground.

Dietarily, gerrhosaurids are primarily insectivorous, feeding on ants, termites, beetles, and other small invertebrates. A few species may also consume plant material or small vertebrates. Their feeding habits are often influenced by their burrowing behavior, as they rely on ambush predation rather than active chasing.

Reproduction in Gerrhosauridae varies among species. Most are oviparous, laying eggs in burrows or other sheltered locations, while a few species, such as the Cape flat lizard, exhibit live birth (ovoviviparity). Eggs are usually deposited in clusters and receive little parental care after laying.

Conservation status varies among species, with some facing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and predation by introduced species. Several gerrhosaurids are listed as vulnerable or near threatened due to declining populations. Efforts to protect their habitats and monitor populations are ongoing in regions where they occur.

Gerrhosaurids play a role in their ecosystems as both predators and prey, contributing to the balance of invertebrate populations. Their unique adaptations make them an interesting subject for ecological and evolutionary studies.