The Tree Lizard

Tree lizards live in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico and are adapted for climbing on trees, cliffs, and canyon walls. Because they are cold-blooded, rising temperatures from climate change may force them to hide in shade more often, reducing time to hunt and reproduce. In the future, hotter habitats with fewer trees may cause some lizards to move to higher elevations. They may also adapt by developing longer legs to move faster, brighter colors to attract mates more quickly, and by becoming active earlier in the day to avoid extreme heat.