Spatial Ecology of an Arboreal Iguana (Oplurus cyclurus) in a Treeless Landscape.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the spatial ecology of species has important implications for conservation, as it helps identify suitable habitats and minimum requirements for biodiversity monitoring and management. The spiny-tailed lizard Oplurus cyclurus is a widespread endemic iguanid occurring in dry areas of southern and western Madagascar. While the species is known to be mostly arboreal, populations of the Isalo sandstone massif suggest local adaptation to a less forested savannah and a more exposed habitat. We radio-tracked 19 spiny-tailed lizards to investigate the species' rock-dwelling behaviour and spatial ecology at Isalo National Park. Tracked individuals showed high site and burrow fidelity, and a basking behaviour mostly tied to the accessibility of their burrow, the time of day, and

SUBMITTER: Licata F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10603757 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature