Cope's arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia aurita) is a species of lizard found in two isolated locations in Guatemala, one in the Alta Verapaz Department and one in the Jalapa Department. These lizard are found only in high altitudes of 2,000 to 2,600 feet above sea level, on the west and south sides of the mountain ranges. This lizard is one of 28 species of alligator lizards, most being arboreal, meaning they live in trees. These omnivores are considered endangered because of their small population size and they face extinction due to habitat degradation and from pressures of the pet trade. Distribution and habitat Cope's arboreal alligator lizard, also known as Abronia aurita, is a species of alligator lizard found only in roughly 400 square kilometers of Guatemala. Specifically, the only suitable habitat for this species is between 2,000 and 2,600 feet above sea level on the west and south sides of Sierra de Xucaneb in the Department of Alta Verapaz. These species are considered arboreal, meaning they live in trees. They prefer to make their homes in the trunks of decaying, large trees, found in Oak or Pine forests. High tree density is considered optimal for these creatures as this ensures adequate habitat opportunities and resource abundance. Trees that are covered with growth such as mosses, ferns or bromeliads serve as their main habitat source as these additions contribute toward important factors in insulation and moisture control. Physical characteristics Typical snout to vent length will fall within the range of 7.8 to 18.4 cm, with the length of the tail being roughly twice as long as the body. These creatures are covered with scales, the scales located on their stomach being slightly keeled while the other scales on their body remain flat. They have a general green color around their body but shades vary due to environmental variation and season. All alligator lizards have yellow eyes, with a long, slender, forked tongue. A. aurita can be distinguished from other similar alligator lizards by having a slightly more pale green color on their scales, accompanied by black molting around the edges. One way you can tell the difference between the male and the female are by head shape, the male will sometimes have a slightly broader head than the female. In addition, adult males can be distinguished as having orange coloration on the posterior third portion of the scales on the