Zoutpansberg girdled lizard (''Smaug depressus'') is a species of the genus ''
Smaug
Smaug () is a dragon and the main antagonist in J. R. R. Tolkien's 1937 novel ''The Hobbit'', his treasure and the mountain he lives in being the goal of the quest. Powerful and fearsome, he invaded the Dwarf kingdom of Erebor 150 years prior t ...
''.
[The Reptile Database. http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Smaug&species=depressus&search_param=(] This species is only found on and around the
Soutpansberg
The Soutpansberg, (formerly ''Zoutpansberg'') meaning "Salt Pan Mountain" in Afrikaans, is a range of mountains in far northern South Africa. It is located in Vhembe District, Limpopo. It is named for the salt pan ( ve, Thavha ya muno, or "plac ...
in
South Africa
South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. It is bounded to the south by of coastline that stretch along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans; to the north by the neighbouring count ...
and was before considered a subspecies of
Warren's girdled lizard. Zoutpansberg girdled lizard's grow to a length up to 16 centimeters.
Reproduction
To prevent females of getting away at the first approach, the male approaches the female during mating season very cautiously. He nods his head constantly to make its peaceful intentions cognizable. After mating it takes six months before two to five young are born.
References
{{Taxonbar, from=Q18603897
Smaug (genus)
Taxa named by Vivian Frederick Maynard FitzSimons
Lizards of Africa
Reptiles of South Africa
Reptiles described in 1930