Nonnative Vegetation Induces Changes in Predation Pressure and Escape Behavior of Two Sand Lizards (Liolaemidae:Liolaemus)

Abstract

The introduction of nonnative plant species might generate habitat modifications that, in turn, increase the predation risk for animals, either by making prey species more conspicuous, limiting the availability of refuges, or by offering vantage points to potential predators. We compared predation pressure and escape behavior of two sympatric species (Liolaemus wiegmannii and Liolaemus multimaculatus) of Sand Lizards inhabiting forested and nonforested grasslands of the pampasic coastal sand dunes of Argentina. Predation pressure was evaluated by measuring the predation rate on plasticine replicas of lizards and the abundance of avian predators. We also recorded flight initiation distance (FID) of lizards in the different habitat types and the microhabitat used as refuge. Both lizard species prefer refuges in native plants but, when they are scarce, the nonnative Acacia longifolia is selected as alternative refuge. In forested habitats, sand-burying behavior is a complementary strategy used by L. multimaculatus to avoid predation. The FID of L. wiegmannii was greater in forested habitats than in nonforested ones. In contrast, L. multimaculatus exhibited a short FID in forested habitats, mostly because sand-burying behavior appears to reduce the risks typically associated with exposed areas. Plasticity in antipredatory behavior suggests that these lizards could recognize predators and develop a suitable antipredatory behavior. We conclude that increased predation pressure and structural alterations of the habitat in the presence of nonnative A. longifolia affect the decisions that determine how, when, and where these lizards flee.

A management strategy for the long-term conservation of the Endangered sand-dune lizard Liolaemus multimaculatus in the Pampean coastal dunes of Argentina

“…To assess population status, firstly we recorded suitable and unsuitable areas for the sand-dune lizard throughout its whole range in the Pampean coastal dunes. Based on available information about the sand-dune lizard's spatial ecology and habitat preferences (Kacoliris et al, 2009b, 2010, 2011; Stellatelli et al, 2015a,b) we defined a suitable area as a continuous portion of coastal dune containing habitat used by the species, and an unsuitable area as a portion of coastal dune where the original habitat was almost entirely replaced by urban and/or forestry areas. We delimited suitable and unsuitable areas by drawing polygons on QuickBird satellite imagery (spatial resolution up to 0.6 m; Satellite Imaging Corporation, Houston, Texas).…”

Delayed escape responses of male Basiliscus plumifrons (Squamata: Corytophanidae) during peak activity

“…Briefly, FID represents the distance between an approaching predator and the lizard prior to its escape and FD is the distance fled by the lizard during the initial escape response (e.g., Lailvaux et al 2003, Cooper Jr. andFrederick 2007). Empirical studies have revealed strong support for this model across several lizard taxa, supporting its utility for understanding the factors affecting escape decisions by this diverse clade (Cooper Jr. 2003a, Martín 2003, Vanhooydonck et al 2007, Lattanzio 2009, 2014, Brock et al 2015, Stellatelli et al 2015.…”

For running or burying—The toe fringe ofPhrynocephalus mystaceusis important

“…In the face of threats from natural enemies, P. mystaceus can choose to run or bury themselves in the sand to avoid the enemy. Studies have shown that sand-burying behavior can reduce the risk associated with the occupation of exposed areas (Attum et al, 2007; Stellatelli et al, 2015). Therefore, the effect of fringes on the sand-diving performance of P. mystaceus has adaptive value.…”