Habitat Requirements of an Inland Population of the Keeled Earless Lizard (Holbrookia propinqua), with Comments on Morphology and Behavior
Date
2010-05
Authors
Lyons, Jacob I. N.
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Abstract
I studied the habitat association, morphology, and behavior of the keeled earless lizard, Holbrookia propinqua, in Guadalupe County, Texas, near the type locality (Wilson County, Texas). Principal components analysis showed a positive association with kangaroo rat burrows, open sandy areas, and fine-quality, Arenosa-type sand and a negative association with stony soil, grassy or brushy habitat, heavy tree canopy, and leaf litter. An occupancy study showed an overall occupancy('¥) of 0.4038, with detectability (p) of 0.6570. The co-variate with highest influence on occupancy was the amount of sand, while grass, kangaroo rat burrows, and canopy were factors determining detectability. Adults of this population were similar to other mainland populations but significantly smaller and less massive than adults of coastal populations. Juveniles of this population and a coastal population showed no significant differences in size. Escape distance did not differ between males and females. Individuals preferred thorny vegetation as escape cover over kangaroo rat burrows by a factor of 3:2.
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Keywords
ecology, morphology, lizards, iguanas
Citation
Lyons, J. I. N. (2010). Habitat requirements of an inland population of the keeled earless lizard (Holbrookia propinqua), with comments on morphology and behavior (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.