Tropidosaura essexi

Tropidosaura essexi, also known commonly as Essex's mountain lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is native to southern Africa.

Etymology
The specific name, essexi, is in honor of South African herpetologist Robert Essex.

Geographic range
T. essexi is found in Lesotho and South Africa.

Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of T. essexi is grassland, at altitudes of 2,400 –.

Description
T. essexi is small for its genus. Adults have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of only 4 –.

Behavior
T. essexi is diurnal and terrestrial.

Reproduction
T. essexi is viviparous, and is the only African lacertid known to be viviparous.