Lizards in tropical forests may be in serious trouble from rising global temperatures due to climate change, according to British scientists. You would think the sneaky reptiles would be able to adapt more readily to warmer conditions than many creatures, but they apparently can only handle a very narrow temperature range. According to Science Daily:

Forest conditions tend to keep lizards living there at temperatures that allow them to function at or close to their physical peak. A temperature change of just a few degrees can reduce their physical performance greatly.

England keeps rolling out the bad news for animals lately with the announcement lastweek that European birds are already experiencing the havoc brought about by climate change.  Conditions could worsen for the tropical reptiles if forest canopies deteriorate under hotter conditions, eliminating the much of the shelter that protects the lizards and other wildlife.  And scientists aren’t holding their breath for an evolutionary leap that would allow the reptiles to endure warmer conditions, as the generations may be too long to adapt in time.

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Photo: angela7dream’s flickr photostream (creative commons)