Details of the presentation |
Presentation |
Poster presentation |
Title |
Behavioral responses of the Spotted Sand Lizard Pedioplanis l. lineoocellata to grazing induced degradation
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PDF Download |
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Short title |
Behavioral response of Pedioplanis l. lineoocellata
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Author(s) |
Wasiolka, B.(1); Henschel, J.(2); Blaum, N.(1); Jeltsch, F.(1)
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Presenting author |
Wasiolka, B.
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Institution(s) |
(1) Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, University of Potsdam; (2) Gobabeb Training & Research Centre
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Keywords |
reptiles; habitat degradation; behavioral flexibility; overgrazing; foraging
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Abstract |
We studied the foraging behaviour of the lizard Pedioplanis l. lineoocellata (Spotted Sand Lizard), a sit and wait forager, in habitats of different grazing states to determine the effects of habitat degradation on this species. At high grazing intensity where vegetation cover and diversity is low, the lizard P. lineoocellata moves more frequently, spends more time moving and covers larger distances than in habitats where vegetation cover and diversity is high. These behavioural changes in movement patterns can be explained by less abundant prey in habitats with low vegetation cover and diversity. Although morphology and physiology of P. lineoocellata should constrain the change in foraging behaviour the species has modified its foraging strategy from sit and wait to actively foraging. We assume that this behavioural flexibility of P. lineoocellata is a buffer mechanism enabling the species to use and survive in degraded (unfavourable) habitats.
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Congress Topic |
Land use, impact and value
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Topic No. |
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Notes |
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Ref. No. |
594 |