Consequences of volcanic ash deposition on the locomotor performance of the Phymaturus spectabilis lizard from Patagonia, Argentina

CABEZAS-CARTES, FACUNDO; KUBISCH, ERIKA; IBARGÜENGOYTÍA, NORA

JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART A-ECOLOGICAL GENETICS AND PHYSIOLOGY

WILEY-LISS, DIV JOHN WILEY & SONS INC

Lugar: New York; Año: 2014 vol. 321 p. 164 - 172

1932-5223

The locomotor performance of lizards depends on the morphological and physiological adaptations to the habitat. However, when habitat changes dramatically, for example by a volcanic eruption, the performance of lizards may get affected. Considering the ash accumulation produced by the eruption of Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcanic complex, we analyzed the use and availability of microhabitat of the lizard Phymaturus spectabilis by registering the vegetation cover, the surface covered by ash, the presence of crevices suitable for Phymaturus and the rocks? slope. In addition, we studied the effect of ashes and slope in locomotor performance of P. spectabilis by registering the maximum speed in sprint runs and long runs under four different treatments (no ashes and on the level, ashes and on the level, no ashes and slope, and ashes and slope). Phymaturus spectabilis selected microhabitats unvegetated, with crevices and with steep slopes. Regarding locomotor performance, lizards? speed was negatively affected by the presence of ash only in sprint runs on the level and in long runs with slope. The slope affected negatively the speed in all the treatments. These results show that the presence of volcanic ashes in the substrate might have affected the locomotor performance of the lizards, and, hence, the behavioural interactions of the individuals with their environment especially those related to the long runs like feeding and social behaviours.