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Movement patterns and use of habitat corridors in Lacerta viridis in a semi-natural habitat
  • Yoko Philipina Krenn,
  • Harald Meimberg,
  • Heimo Schedl
Yoko Philipina Krenn
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Harald Meimberg
Boku University
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Heimo Schedl
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna
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Abstract

Fragmentation of landscapes is a common impairment of habitats highlighting the need to increase connectivity to support wildlife populations. This study focuses on the Eastern green lizard (Lacerta viridis) and investigates the effectiveness of a species-specific corridor network in a vineyard landscape. Using a non-invasive photographic capture-recapture approach, individual movements were tracked to assess sex-specific patterns and distances covered in adult lizards. The study also provided insight into population parameters such as sex ratio and spatial distribution of the resident green lizard population. Results showed a surplus of male individuals and clustered distributions along the habitats. Both, male and female green lizards use the habitat network, with males covering larger distances. The connectivity structures facilitated the movement of males between habitat sections with some individuals covering distances exceeding 250 m. Hereby, male movement distances correlated with female abundance, which emphasizes the importance of connectivity structures in maintaining population stability. Two parameters correlated to female abundance showed significance in the models. First, the fewer females were detected in a male’s core area, the higher the probability that it migrated a long distance. Secondly, a positive correlation existed between males’ covered distance and female abundance in its entire activity range. Overall, this research highlights the importance of habitat connectivity measures for natural population dynamics through supporting male lizards to migrate in search of females.
03 Sep 2024Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
04 Sep 2024Submission Checks Completed
04 Sep 2024Assigned to Editor
29 Oct 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned