Predation and spatial distribution of the lizard Podarcis hispanica atrata: an experimental approach

• Published in: Acta oecologica (Montrouge) Vol. 19; no. 2; pp. 107 - 114
• Main Authors: Castilla, Aurora M., Labra, Antonieta
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Paris Elsevier Masson SAS 01.03.1998; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Demecology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; lizard; Mediterranean islands; plasticine replicas; Podarcis hispanica atrata; predation; Reptilia. Amphibia; Spain; Vertebrata; Europe; Spain; predation; Mediterranean islands; plasticine replicas; lizard; Podarcis hispanica atrata; Spain; Predator prey relation; Vertebrata; Sauria; Podarcis hispanica; Spatial distribution; Reptilia; Mediterranean region; Island; Population density; Geographical variation
• ISSN: 1146-609X; 1873-6238
• DOI: 10.1016/S1146-609X(98)80014-3

This study reports on an experiment designed to quantify potential predation by birds on the lizard Podarcis hispanica atrata in the Columbretes islands (Castellón, Spain). We used plasticine replicas to examine predation risk of replicas as a function of proximity to vegetation and to potential predators, and to investigate the seasonal variation in patterns of predation. Predation on replicas was very high and intensive within only four days, and differed between study areas and seasons. Predation was more intense when replicas were closer to nests of gulls and far from vegetation. The Yellow-legged Gull ( Larus cachinnans michaellis) was identified as the major species responsible for predation on lizard replicas.