Home Range of Crevice Spiny Lizards (Sceloporus poinsettii) at Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Mason County, Texas
Date
2002-05
Authors
Ridenour, Karen C.
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Abstract
Daily movements, home range size, and habitat use patterns were
quantified for crevice spiny lizards (Sceloporus poinsettii) at Mason Mountain
Wildlife Management Area, Mason County, Texas. Habitat parameters also were
assessed to determine influence on habitat use during the non-breeding season.
Fluorescent powder tracking technique was used to determine the daily movement
patterns and home range. Ten male and ten female lizards were captured three
times each to determine an average daily movement and home range size. Average
daily movements for immature males were 73.4 m and mature males were 52.0 m.
Average daily movements for immature females were 54.2 m and mature females
were 63.1 m. Average home range size was determined to be 590.0 m2 for females
and 660.0 m2 for males. Home ranges overlapped extensively, but crevice spiny
lizards were not found to aggressively defend them. Community groups consisted
of multiple immature and dominant mature lizards. Behavioral observations were
conducted throughout the research period. Data suggested that vertical granite
rock surfaces were primary use areas, while the horizontal plane was used to move
between vertical surfaces. It is recommended that studies of home range size and daily movements be repeated in future years during breeding season to ascertain
trends in movement patterns and multiple usage of home range areas.
Description
Keywords
Sceloporus, Crevice spiny lizards, Wildlife management, Mason County, Texas
Citation
Ridenour, K. C. (2002). <i>Home range of crevice spiny lizards (Sceloporus poinsettii) at Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Mason County, Texas</i> (Unpublished thesis). Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.