Preliminary observations on the natural history of Liolaemus heliodermis (Iguania: Liolaemidae): an endemic lizard of northwestern Argentina

Abstract

We report preliminary data on the relative abundance, activity patterns and habitat use in a recently described species, Liolaemus heliodermis, during one Spring and Summer. This species belongs to the northern clade of the L. elongatus group and it is endemic to the Valles Calchaquíes, in Tucumán. We carried out six field trips (a total of 19 days) to the study site. Three transects of 50 x 10 m were traced, conducting two censuses per day. A total of 10 lizards were captured (4 males, 5 females, and one juvenile). They were measured, weighed, marked and freed in the area of capture. Results indicate that this species is not common (average of two lizards per census for the two seasons) and it is strictly saxicolous. Although there is no visible sexual dichromatism, males are slightly larger than females. The first lizards were seen in December until March, becoming active close to midday. The home range area of one female was 164 m2 (based on nine sightings). A feces analysis of five individuals indicated that they are insectivorous as reported for other species in this group. Being an endemic species, with a limited distribution, it will be important to continue this type of study considering its possible vulnerability in case of eventual changes in its habitat.