Gem of the Sky Islands

The so-called "Sky Islands" of the southeastern Arizona are a nature lover's dream.  A huge variety of species can be seen as one climbs from the desert floor to the coniferous mountain peaks, passing through a multitude of habitats in between.  In the middle elevation, amidst the oaks and sycamores, lives the Mountain Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus jarrovii).  Also known as Yarrow's Spiny Lizard, these bejeweled lizards are common along rocky canyons wherever some sunlight breaks through the canopy.  Even though this male is missing a portion of his tail, he's still quite showy.


Photo taken in Madera Canyon, AZ.