학술논문
Tail-break frequency inferences on Lygodactylus klugei (Smith, Martin & Swain, 1977) (Squamata: Gekkonidae) in northeastern Brazil.
Document Type
Article
Author
Source
Subject
*SQUAMATA
*TREE trunks
*INFERENCE (Logic)
*ANTIPREDATOR behavior
*TREE branches
*LIZARDS
*GECKOS
*COLUBRIDAE
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Language
ISSN
0326-551X
Abstract
We investigated the sexual, interpopulational, and microhabitat use effects on the autotomy frequencies in the Kluges Dwarf Gecko Lygodactylus klugei in 12 populations inserted in the Caatinga ecoregion, in northeast Brazil. We observed the frequency of autotomized tails in each population by analyzing sexual differences and the characteristics of the trees used, such as the number of branches, presence of thorns, and trunk texture (smooth or rough). The autotomy frequencies ranged from 28.5% to 75% among these populations. We did not find differences in population, sex or on the presence of thorns and number of branches available in the trees used on autotomy rates. On the other hand, lizards found on smooth trunks had a higher rate of autotomized tails compared to those found on rough trunks. We suggest that the presence of crevices in trees with rough trunks is an important factor responsible for protecting lizards against predator attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]