Volcanic ash from Puyehue-Cordón Caulle eruptions affects running performance and body condition of Phymaturus lizards in Patagonia, Argentina.

IBARGÜENGOYTÍA, NORA R.; CABEZAS-CARTES, F.; BORETTO, J.M.; PIANTONI, C.; KUBISCH, E.; FERNÁNDEZ, M.S.; LARA-RESENDIZ, R.A.; MÉNDEZ DE LA CRUZ, F; A. SCOLARO; SINERVO, B.

BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2016 vol. 118 p. 842 - 851

0024-4066

The Puyehue-Cordón Caulle eruption on June 4, 2011, dispersed about 100 M tons of pyroclastic materials resulting in ash accumulations of 30 cm depth on the Patagonian steppe, an area occupied by several lizard species. Herein we studied the effects of ash fall on body condition and running performance on the level and on incline surfaces, of two endemic and vulnerable species whose ranges are restricted to volcanic rock outcrops in Patagonia, Phymaturus excelsus and Phymaturus sinervoi. Locomotion of P. excelsus, adapted to rock and steep outcrops, was the most affected by ash. In contrast, P. sinervoi which lives in mixed habitats with flat rocks and sandy substrates was affected by the incline surface rather than by ash, suggesting the two species are well adapted to the habitats they occupy. In spite of the environment of P. excelsus was the most affected by ash deposition and the ashes affected negatively the locomotion and hence feeding, reproduction or dispersal activity, two years after the volcanic event lizards body condition was improved. While, P. sinervoi locality was the lowest affected by ash deposition and lizards body condition was similar before and after ash fall. We hypothesize that the effect of ash was counteract by the noticeable death of herbivorous competitors like hares and sheep occurred after the volcano eruption, that feed upon the same flowers and fruits included in the Phymaturus diet.