The El Hierro giant lizard is the only extant, critically endangered subspecies of Simony's giant lizard. It is endemic to El Hierro, the westernmost of the Canary Islands, where it is an official symbol.
El Hierro giant lizard
Female.
"Cardonal-tabaibal" vegetation of the Canary Islands, dominated by species of the genus Euphorbia.
El Hierro giant lizard in captivity.
El Hierro, nicknamed Isla del Meridiano, is the second-smallest and farthest south and west of the Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa, with a population of 11,659 (2023). Its capital is Valverde. At 268.51 square kilometres (103.67 sq mi), it is the second-smallest of the eight main islands of the Canaries.
Africa by Gerardus Mercator 1595. 'Fierro' is not yet on the prime meridian, although it is close.
Virgen de la Caridad Chapel
Coast El Golfo, El Hierro
Satellite image of El Hierro