Riparian microhabitat selection by Norops oxylophus (Polychrotidae) in San Luis, Costa Rica, May 2007

Alternative Title

Selección del micro hábitat acuático por Norops oxylophus (Polychrotidae) en San Luis, Costa Rica

Creator

David S. Steinberg

Files

Publication Date

May 2007

Abstract

Microhabitat studies of anoline lizards have traditionally measured small-scale characteristics, such as perch height and perch diameter. Riparian anoles, however, may inhabit a more complex environment, since they are in direct contact with rivers or streams; thus, a broader spectrum of variables, particularly those related to river qualities, may be necessary to garner a greater understanding of microhabitat choice in these lizards. In this study, I examine microhabitat selection by Norops oxylophus in relation to both traditional variables and three river variables in the San Luis Valley, Costa Rica. Results show that male lizards prefer higher perches (mean = 0.900 ± 0.301 m, N = 12) than do females (mean = 0.192 ± 0.152 m, N = 13) or juveniles (mean = 0.338 ± 0.337 m, N = 31), while females prefer wider perches (mean = 0.138 ± 0.067 m; N = 5) than do other lizards. Also, N. oxylophus in general seem to prefer riverside sites that are wider and deeper (meanwidth = 3.077 ± 1.375 m, meandepth = 0.183 ± 0.062 m, N = 56) than are unoccupied riverside sites (mean width = 1.852 ± 0.748 m, meandepth = 0.138 ± 0.137 m, N = 56). This study supports the hypothesis that factors related to rivers influence riparian anole microhabitat selection.

Resumen

Las investigaciones del micro hábitat en las lagartijas (Polychrotidae: Anolinae) usualmente se le miden las características como la altura de percha y el diámetro de percha. Las lagartijas acuáticas, sin embargo, pueden habitar en un ambiente más complejo porque ellas están en contacto directo con los ríos y quebradas; así que, un espectro mas ancho de las variables puede ser necesario para tener una mejor comprensión de la selección del micro hábitats en estas lagartijas. En esta investigación, yo examiné la selección del micro hábitat en Norops oxylophus en relación a variables típicas y algunas variables del río en el Valle de San Luis, Costa Rica.

Keywords

Lizards--Behavior, Environmental impact analysis, Anoles, CIEE Spring 2007

Palabras claves

Lagartijas--Comportamiento, Análisis del impacto ambiental, Anolis, CIEE Primavera 2007

Extent

11 pages

Geographic Location

San Luis (Puntarenas, Costa Rica)

Holding Location

Monteverde Institute

Language

English; Spanish

Media Type

Articles

Format

Digital Only

Identifier

M39-00122

Type

Book

Recommended Citation

Steinberg, David S., "Riparian microhabitat selection by Norops oxylophus (Polychrotidae) in San Luis, Costa Rica, May 2007" (2007). Tropical Ecology and Conservation [Monteverde Institute]. 543.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/tropical_ecology/543