Behavioural flexibility in foraging mode of the spotted sand lizard ( Pedioplanis l. lineoocellata) seems to buffer negative impacts of savanna degradation

• Published in: Journal of arid environments Vol. 77; pp. 149 - 152
• Main Authors: Blumroeder, J., Eccard, J.A., Blaum, N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01-02-2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Amphibia. Reptilia; Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Availability; Behavioural; Biological and medical sciences; Degradation; Flexibility; Foraging habitats; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Habitats; Kalahari; Lacertilia; Land use; Lizards; Movement ecology; Overgrazing; Sand; Shrub encroachment; Synecology; Terrestrial ecosystems; Vertebrates: general zoology, morphology, phylogeny, systematics, cytogenetics, geographical distribution; Botswana, Kalahari; Movement ecology; Shrub encroachment; Kalahari; Land use; Overgrazing; Sand; Savannah; Arid environment; Ecology; Foraging behavior; Degradation; Vertebrata; Sauria; Behavioural flexibility; Reptilia
• ISSN: 0140-1963; 1095-922X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2011.10.005

In this field experiment we investigate the impact of land use induced savanna degradation on movement behaviour of the spotted sand lizard (
Pedioplanis l. lineoocellata) in the southern Kalahari. Foraging behaviour of lizards was tested in a factorial design (low vs. high prey availability) in degraded and non-degraded habitats.
An interaction between habitat structure and prey availability affected movement behaviour. In degraded habitats with low prey availability and in non-degraded habitats with high prey availability the spotted sand lizard moved more like an active forager. In contrast, in degraded habitats with high prey availability and in non-degraded habitats with low prey availability lizards moved like sit-and-wait foragers. Interestingly, the behavioural flexibility of the spotted sand lizard seems to buffer extreme conditions and negative effects of land use impacts.
► Impacts of savannah degradation on behavioural flexibility of lizard foraging strategy. ► Experimental manipulation of habitat (vegetation and prey availability), full factorial design. ► Recording of lizard movement (e.g. moves per minute, % time spent moving, etc.). ► Habitat and prey availability interacted in their effects on foraging strategy. ► Behavioural flexibility of lizards seems to buffer negative effects of land use impacts.