Historical account and current ecological knowledge of the southernmost lizard in the world, Liolaemus magellanicus (Squamata: Liolaemidae)

Abstract Background The systematics of Liolaemus magellanicus has been relatively well researched, but despite its recognition as the southernmost lizard in world, scant attention paid to discovery, distribution, biogeography, and ecology this at southern tip South America. I hereby research such aspects collate most relevant information reported primary literature. Methods Results conducted a selective review history distributional records, ecological features L. , recorded mainstream journals landmark monographs books. specifically omitted work on species genus because complexity warrants separate treatment. found scattered references starting with chronicles several overseas expeditions (British, French, Swedish), Darwin, Jacquinot Guichenot, Anderson Ohlin acting informers; culminating Skottsberg, traveler, Bridges, an early settler Tierra del Fuego Island. Modern treatment started Hellmich 1930s Donoso-Barros 1960s Chile, Cei Argentina continued chiefly latter country until today. Discussion propose model ectothermic vertebrate that may serve test hypotheses about: (a) Resource allocation strategies deal harsh environment affords limited opportunities for foraging reproductive activities lizard. (b) Behavioral dealing thermoregulation, food, mate acquisition, care –if any—of offspring. (c) Its place within rather impoverished food web which forms part of. This new species, persisted glacial refuges before being cut off into two subpopulations—one mainlander, another islander—also offers fertile ground testing population genetic, evolutionary, phylogeographic hypotheses. think biogeographers, systematists, evolutionists, physiologists, ecologists should take advantage uniquely positioned margin world.