Population ecology of a critically endangered gecko, endemic to the rocky outcrops biographic islands from the north-eastern of Argentina

COURTIS, A. C.; CAJADE, R.; PIÑIERO, J. M.; HERNANDO, A.; SANTONO, S; MARANGONI, F.

ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS.

ACAD BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS

Lugar: Rio de Janeiro; Año: 2022

0001-3765

The taragüi gecko (Homonota taragui) is an endemic lizard of the northeast of Argentina. With an extremely reduced distribution, their unique populations are distributed in three hills of ?Paraje Tres Cerros?. The small geographical distribution, the registration of an albino specimen and the lack of studies on this species, has led us to carry out this study to estimate demographic parameters: number of individuals by populations, sex and ontogenetic stage; the presence of sexual dimorphism; the survival of this species; and describe the use of microhabitat and movement patterns. For that we monitored two populations for two years. We measured 11 morphological variables, determined the sex of each individual captured and we marked them with individual codes using the phalange cutting technique. We found sexual dimorphism in the head width, bigger in males. Some factors contribute to the vulnerability of the H. taragui such as its constrained geographical distribution, its use of the specific microhabitat and the isolation of their populations. In this context, we highlight demography studies as an essential data source for management and conservation of critically endangered species, and to propose strategies that lead to the conservation of the species.