To run or hide? Age‐dependent escape behaviour in the common flat lizard (Platysaurus intermedius wilhelmi)

Abstract

Flat lizards Platysaurus intermedius wilhelmi occur on small discrete rock outcrops in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. These rock outcrops are structurally simple and this, combined with the lizard's behaviour (ambush foraging in the open), make them ideal for field studies of anti-predatory behaviour. Lizards were approached in the field and how escape behaviour was influenced by habitat and age-sex class was recorded. Juveniles (c. 4 months of age) responded quite differently to an approaching human 'predator' compared with adult males and females (which responded similarly). Compared to adults, juveniles allowed a closer approach by the investigator; took longer to find a refuge and therefore fled further; were more likely to remain visible in the open and maintain visual contact with the investigator; and more likely to flee into vegetation when given the opportunity to take refuge in a crevice. We suggest that because a greater suite of predators (including arthropods living in rock crevices) feed on small juvenile lizards, this may affect their choice of refuge and result in the avoidance of crevices when chased. Finally, because juveniles were frequently found on small rock outcrops, the influence of rock outcrop area on anti-predatory behaviour was tested. Escape behaviour (time to refuge) was independent of rock outcrop area.

Escape behavior of the green lizard (Lacerta viridis) in the Slovak Karst

“…The escape behavior in lizards is influenced by several factors such as the speed and direction of the approaching predator (Cooper 2003a, b), the persistence of attacking, the type of habitat, the age of the lizard (Whiting et al 2003), the distance to the nearest refuge (Bulova 1994), the type of refuge and microhabitat (Martín and López 2000a, b), and autotomy (Formanowicz et al 1990), as well as human disturbance (Diego-Rasilla 2003a; Amo et al 2006). Interestingly, our results suggest that the escape behavior of the green lizard (approach distance and the type of escape) changed during the season.…”

“…However, since usage of refuges may be costly for lizards (Sih 1992), the escape decisions can be affected by thermal costs of refuge (Martín and López 2000b). The flight distance in lizards is influenced by several factors, e.g., the speed and direction of the approaching predator (Cooper 2003a, b), the frequency of attacking, the type of habitat, and the age of a lizard (Whiting et al 2003), as well as autotomy (Formanowicz et al 1990;Ekner et al 2008). The humancaused disturbance of lizards in their natural habitat has a harmful effect because it can lead to modifications in the animals' behavior and the health status (Diego-Rasilla 2003a, b;Amo et al 2006).…”

Temporal and ontogenetic variation in the escape response of Ameiva festiva (Squamata, Teiidae)

“…Thus, it is likely that the realized escape response (FID) of juvenile and adult lizards may also differ. Specifically, juveniles may be expected to exhibit greater FID than adults given these considerations (but see Whiting et al 2003).…”

An index of spring diet in the common flat lizard,Platysaurus intermedius wilhelmi

“…The subspecies P. i. wilhelmi, occurring in the South African provinces of Mpumalanga and Kwazulu-Natal as well as in portions of Mozambique and Swaziland, is the most extensively studied member of the intermedius species complex, including studies describing its thermal physiology, digestive physiology, locomotor performance and behaviour (McKinon & Alexander 1999;Alexander et al 2001;Lailvaux et al 2003;Whiting et al 2003). Little, however, is known about the feeding ecology of P. i. wilhelmi, other than that it is considered a sit-and-wait forager Whiting et al 2003). In a single study, between 10 and 35% of the stomach contents of four subspecies of P. intermedius, including P. i. wilhelmi, contained some plant material (Broadley 1978).…”