Lizard Population and Species Diversity by Country 2024

Lizards are a diverse and widespread group of reptiles, with around 7,000 different species found across the world. They occupy a wide range of habitats, from deserts and rainforests to urban environments. The global population of lizards is estimated to be roughly 6 billion, making them an essential part of many ecosystems due to their role as both predators and prey. Among the 7,000 species, the Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) holds the title as the largest lizard, growing up to 3 meters (10 feet) in length. In contrast, the Dwarf Gecko (Sphaerodactylus ariasae), at just 16 mm (0.63 inches), is one of the smallest lizards in the world.

Lizards also exhibit significant population differences across countries, with some nations hosting a remarkable diversity of species. In this article, we will explore the countries with the highest number of lizard species, as well as the most populous lizard species worldwide.

Top 10 Countries with the Most Number of Lizard Species

1. Australia: 900 species
2. Mexico: 750 species
3. Brazil: 600 species
4. Indonesia: 500 species
5. India: 450 species
6. Madagascar: 400 species
7. United States: 350 species
8. Venezuela: 320 species
9. Colombia: 300 species
10. Peru: 290 species

These top 10 countries host the richest diversity of lizard species, with Australia leading the list at 900 species. This high diversity is largely attributed to Australia’s unique environment, which includes vast deserts and rainforests that are perfect habitats for various lizard species. Mexico and Brazil also boast impressive numbers due to their tropical climates and varied ecosystems. Countries like Indonesia and India have a vast array of tropical and subtropical environments, while Madagascar’s isolation has resulted in a wide variety of endemic species. The United States, though known for its temperate zones, also has a diverse reptile population due to its vast geographical range, from deserts to wetlands.

Top 5 Most Populated Lizard Species

1. Common Wall Lizard: 500 million+
2. Green Anole: 400 million+
3. House Gecko: 300 million+
4. Western Fence Lizard: 250 million+
5. Eastern Fence Lizard: 200 million+

These species are the most populous lizards worldwide. The Common Wall Lizard, native to Europe but also found in parts of North America, thrives in a variety of environments, contributing to its large population. Similarly, the Green Anole is widely distributed in the southeastern United States, while the House Gecko, known for its ability to adapt to human settlements, is common across the globe. The Western and Eastern Fence Lizards, both native to North America, are found in abundance in forests, grasslands, and suburban areas, where they are vital for insect control.

The global lizard population, estimated at around 6 billion individuals, reflects the impressive adaptability and survival of these reptiles. Countries like Australia, Mexico, and Brazil play host to a wide variety of species, underscoring the critical role that geography and climate play in supporting lizard diversity. Meanwhile, highly populated species like the Common Wall Lizard and Green Anole illustrate the success of certain species in thriving across large regions. Together, these facts highlight the ecological significance of lizards in maintaining healthy ecosystems worldwide. As the planet continues to change due to human activity and climate shifts, preserving lizard populations will be essential for biodiversity and ecological balance.

Lizard Species by Country (Full Table)

FAQs

• What is the global population of lizards?
  • The global lizard population is roughly estimated to be around 6 billion.

• How many species of lizards are there worldwide?
  • There are approximately 7,000 different species of lizards worldwide.

• Which country has the most number of lizard species?
  • Australia leads with around 900 species of lizards.

Learn More

• Species count data for lizards was based on global assessments available in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
• Lizard species distribution by country was compiled from various sources, including national biodiversity reports and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).
• Lizard species data referenced from Herpetological Conservation International, an authoritative resource for reptile biodiversity data.