Jamaican Giant Anole
Jamaican Giant Anole / Dave Curtis
Scientific Name: Anolis garmani
Other Common Name: Jamaican Anole, Large Green Anole
Range: Jamaica, Florida *, Grand Cayman*
Clutch Size: 1 egg
* The Jamaican Giant Anole was introduced to these countries.
Description
The endemic Jamaican Giant Anole is the largest anole of the six native Anolis species in Jamaica. It is easily identified by its distinct bright emerald green colour and greenish-white venter (belly). The Jamaican Giant Anole also displays a green - black colour phase which can occur due to a variety of factors including hormones, stress and fear.
Jamaican Giant Anoles display very strong sexual dimorphism*. Males are significantly larger than females with an average snout to vent length of 100 mm and a tail length of 250 mm. Some males have been known to have a snout to vent length of 131 mm. Female specimens have an average snout to vent length of 80 mm and a tail length of 160 mm.
Jamaican Giant Anoles have pale lateral stripes on its body that are more noticeable in males. Male specimens also have a very distinct green dewlap with an orange centre that is not noticeable in females.
Range
The Jamaican Giant Anole is endemic to Jamaica but has been introduced to Florida and the Cayman Islands.
Habitat
The Jamaican Giant Anole can be found in the tree canopies of large trees in gardens and secondary and mature forests.
Diet
Its diet primarily consists of fruits, invertebrates and smaller Anole lizards.
Reproduction
Adult females produce one egg at a time. Reproductive success is correlated with the size of the adult male and female with larger individuals having a higher chance of success.
Conservation Status
Stable, as according to the IUCN.
Threats
No current threats.