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Renet J, Dokhelar T, Thirion F, Tatin L, Pernollet CA, Bourgault L. Spatial pattern and shelter distribution of the ocellated lizard (Timon lepidus) in two distinct Mediterranean habitats. AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1163/15685381-bja10095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The knowledge of a species’ spatial ecology is essential for its conservation as it helps to implement targeted protection measures to suitable habitats. In 2011 and 2013, two French populations of ocellated lizards Timon lepidus were monitored through very high frequency (VHF) radio telemetry in two distinct Mediterranean habitats: a 77 ha scrubland (n = 8) and a 1590 ha semi-arid steppe (n = 11) corresponding to a heterogeneous and homogeneous habitat respectively. The variability in spatial estimates for the seasonal habitat use of the ocellated lizard was compared within the two sites using the Autocorrelated Kernel Density Estimation (AKDE). Recursive movement patterns and spatial repartition of shelters were further assessed to study the habitat influence on the species’ space use. No significant differences between sexes or sites were identified in the computed AKDE ranges. This inter-site approach demonstrated higher shelter revisits in core-areas than in the rest of estimated home ranges for both sites. A higher shelter density was observed in the core areas of the lizards than in the rest of their home-ranges for the Mediterranean scrubland but not for the semi-arid steppe. Such findings might attest to the species’ adaptive capabilities within two distinct Mediterranean ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Renet
- Conservatoire d’espaces naturels de Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Pôle Biodiversité régionale, 04200 Sisteron, France
| | - Théo Dokhelar
- Conservatoire d’espaces naturels de Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Pôle Biodiversité régionale, 04200 Sisteron, France
| | - Félix Thirion
- Conservatoire d’espaces naturels de Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Pôle Biodiversité régionale, 04200 Sisteron, France
| | - Laurent Tatin
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie, Avignon Université, 8400 Avignon, France
| | - Claire Agnès Pernollet
- Réserve naturelle nationale des Coussouls de Crau, Maison de la Crau, 13310 Saint-Martin-de-Crau, France
| | - Laure Bourgault
- Colinéo, Conservatoire des Restanques Verger et Jardin Méditerranéen, 13013 Marseille, France
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