MOLOCH (THORNY DEVIL)

Contents hide

1) Introduction

2) Classification of Moloch (Thorny devil)

3) Geographical distribution

4) Habit and habitat

5) General Characteristics of Moloch (Thorny devil)

6) Ecological Importance

7) Conservation Status

8) Special features

9) Identification

Introduction

Moloch horridus, commonly known as the thorny devil, is a small, spiny lizard native to the arid and semi-arid deserts of Australia. It is a fascinating creature adapted to survive in some of the harshest environments on Earth. Covered in sharp, conical spines, the thorny devil is known for its striking appearance and unique water-harvesting abilities. Despite its fearsome look, it is harmless to humans and feeds primarily on ants, consuming thousands of them each day. The thorny devil is a symbol of desert resilience and is well-adapted to its harsh surroundings.

Classification of Moloch (Thorny devil)

Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
Class :- Reptilia (Scaly vertebrates. Right and left aortic arches present. Single condyle. Pulmonary respiration. Embryo with amnion and allantois.)
Sub Class :- Diapsida (Skull with two temporal openings separated by post-orbital and squamosal.)
Order :- Squamata (Lizards and snakes with horny epidermal scales or shields. Quadrate bone movable. Vertebrae procoelous. Anal opening transverse.. Vertebrae amphicentrous.)
Sub-order :- Iguania (Lizards. Body slender, limbs 4. Pterygoid in contact with quadrate. Eyelids movable.)
Family :- Agamidae (Limbs normal. Teeth homodont.)
Genus :- Moloch

Geographical distribution

Moloch is found in Australia.

Habit and habitat

Moloch is also adapted for dry condition and it is an ant-eater

General Characteristics of Moloch (Thorny devil)

Body divided into head, neck, trunk and tail.
Skin is rough and highly hygroscopic which absorbs moisture from the atmosphere.
Body of the animal is elongated and is adorned with heavy armour of scaly spines. There are two horn like spines on head. Spines cover the body on all sides. Trunk spines are thicker. Tail spines and limb spines are smaller in size.
Head contains small mouth and nostrils and eyes.
Eyes well developed with eyelids and rounded pupil.
Lateral teeth of the upper jaw are implanted horizontally and directed inwards.
Homodont teeth attached to edges of jaws (acrodont). Tongue is thick and short.
Limbs are nonnal, pentadactyl. Forelimbs and hind limbs have clawes in digits. Both the limbs contain spines.

Ecological Importance

Ant Population Regulation: Thorny devils are specialized feeders that primarily consume ants. By preying on ants, they help regulate ant populations, maintaining ecological balance in desert ecosystems.
Prey for Larger Predators: Although their spiny exterior deters many predators, thorny devils are still preyed upon by some birds of prey and larger reptiles, making them an integral part of the food chain.
Indicator of Desert Health: As a species dependent on specific environmental conditions, the presence of thorny devils can serve as an indicator of the health and stability of desert ecosystems.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List Status: The Moloch thorny devil is listed as Least Concern, as it has a stable population and a wide distribution across Australia.
Threats to Moloch
- Habitat Loss: Habitat degradation due to agricultural expansion, mining, and urbanization poses a threat to local populations.
- Climate Change: Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could impact the availability of ants, their primary food source, and suitable desert habitats.
- Predation by Invasive Species: Introduced species such as feral cats and foxes may pose a risk to thorny devils in some areas.
Conservation Efforts:
- Habitat Protection: Thorny devils benefit from conservation efforts focused on preserving Australia’s arid and semi-arid regions, including protected desert reserves and national parks.
- Research and Monitoring: Ongoing research into the ecology and behavior of thorny devils helps identify potential threats and informs conservation strategies.
- Public Awareness: Promoting awareness about the ecological importance of desert species helps garner support for broader habitat conservation initiatives.

Special features

Spiny Armor: The thorny devil is covered in sharp, conical spines that serve as a defense mechanism against predators. The spines also play a role in water collection.
Water-Harvesting Adaptation: One of its most remarkable features is its ability to harvest water through its skin. Tiny grooves between its scales direct water from dew or rain to its mouth, enabling it to drink in arid environments.
Ant-Specialist Diet: The thorny devil feeds almost exclusively on ants, consuming up to several thousand in a single meal. Its sticky tongue is specially adapted for catching ants quickly and efficiently.
False Head for Predator Defense: On the back of its neck, the thorny devil has a false head, which it uses to confuse predators. When threatened, it lowers its real head and presents the false head as a decoy.
Color Adaptation: Thorny devils can change their coloration to blend with their surroundings, providing effective camouflage in their desert habitat.
Low Metabolic Rate: To conserve energy in their resource-scarce environment, thorny devils have a low metabolic rate, allowing them to survive on infrequent meals.