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Caudal Autotomy
Caudal autotomy is a defensive adaptation seen in lizards, salamanders, geckos, and possibly some snake species too. The vertebrae at the joint between the tail and the pelvis is weak and can easily be broken. If a predator seizes the animal by the tail, the animal contracts the muscles at the rear of the pelvis, breaking the vertebrae and causing the tail to drop off. There is very little blood loss as the muscle contraction closes the major veins and arteries.
The dropped tail may continue to wriggle for several minutes, leaving the predator with a lively meal, while the animal makes it's escape.
While the animal can regenerate a new tail, it often looks more bulbous, and the
process saps so much energy from the animal that the rest of the body stops growing. This can have a
detrimental effect on its ability to reproduce.
Handle With Care
UK Safari Reptile Section
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