Placentation in the Viviparous Lizard Trachylepis vittata from Lebanon

Placentation was investigated in the viviparous lizard Trachylepis vittata in two populations from distinct locations in Lebanon: an isolated coastal population from Tripoli Palm Island — and a continental high altitude population from Mount Sannine. No differences in the formation of extraembryonic membranes were found between the two locations. Histological examination showed a type I chorioallantoic placenta and an omphaloplacenta. Viviparity does not limit the altitudinal distribution of T. vittata and is not accompanied by a highly specialized placental structure.