Intraspecific behavioural variation in the lacertid lizard Meroles cuneirostris (Strauch, 1867) (Sauria:Lacertidae)

Abstract

We characterised behavioural variation between adult male, adult female and juvenile Meroles cuneirostris, a diurnal lacertid lizard endemic to the Namib Desert. Variation in microhabitat preference was significant between age classes, as adults spent more time underneath vegetative cover than juveniles. Movement patterns varied between demographic classes as juveniles exhibited movements of higher average durations than adults overall, and spent a greater percentage of time moving than adult females. Juveniles turned their heads more often than adults; all individuals scan their surroundings more frequently in the open sand and near vegetation. An analysis of foraging behaviour indicates that M. cuneirostris exhibits relatively few movements per minute (MPM) and a wide range of percentage of time spent moving (PTM), making it difficult to categorise this species as either an ambush or active forager. Furthermore, intraspecific variation in foraging behaviour within this species exists, as adult males and juveniles exhibited higher PTM values than adult females.

Key words:

• Lizard
• Lacertidae
• ontogeny
• behavioural ecology
• Namib Desert
• foraging behaviour

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank those at the Gobabeb Research and Training Centre for operational and logistical support. Lauren White, Rheana Marchard, Jessica Evans, Kay Malela and Luwi Nguluka provided assistance in the field. We are also grateful to Maria Eifler, Benjamin Karin, Kaitlin Allen, Sebastian Kirchhof and Aaron Bauer for providing essential assistance during the production of this publication. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation [grant no. 1065532] through the International Research Experience for Students (IRES) programme. Lizards were captured and handled in accordance with taxonomically relevant animal care and use guidelines (Beaupre et al. 2004) under the approval of Erell Institute's Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC proposal no. 2011-01). Finally, we thank the two anonymous reviewers whose comments greatly improved the quality of this publication.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation [grant no. 1065532] through the International Research Experience for Students (IRES) programme.