The Herpetological Journal

pp. 333-338

Authors: Conrado A. B. Galdino Stefania P. R. Ventura, Clara Cabral Lisboa & Robert J. Young

Abstract: The way in which individuals use their surrounding space can be key to understanding species’ sociobiology. We studied the
social spacing of the lizard Tropidurus montanus. Males were found to have larger home ranges than females. Male body
size was not associated with home range area, and the number of females associated with a male’s home range was small
when compared to other Iguanian lizards, thus forming small harems. The larger home range areas and overlaps found during
the final period of the reproductive season might occur as a consequence of reduced social interactions at the end of the
reproductive season. We provide evidence that the tropidurid T. montanus may be establishing short-term exclusive-use areas.

Keywords: Home range, site fidelity, space use, Tropiduridade