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Acta Biológica Colombiana
Print version ISSN 0120-548X
Abstract
SOUZA SANTOS, Régis Vinícius et al. Use of Resources by Two Sympatric Species of Ameivula (Squamata: Teiidae) in an Atlantic Forest-Caatinga Ecotone. Acta biol.Colomb. [online]. 2015, vol.20, n.1, pp.67-77. ISSN 0120-548X. https://doi.org/10.15446/abc.v20n1.41099.
The forms of spatial and temporal resources use of two sympatric species of Ameivula were studied in an Atlantic Forest-Caatinga ecotone located in Parque Nacional Serra de Itabaiana, Sergipe, Brazil. The study was conducted between February 2008 and January 2009. The method used was an active search for a limited time, from 06:00 am to 06:00 pm. The species were observed during all months sampled, and A. ocellifera presented the highest number of sightings. Despite the high temporal niche overlap observed (Ojk = 0.90), A. ocellifera and A. abaetensis differed regarding the times of higher activity. A. ocellifera was most seen (≥ 10%) between 08:00 am and 01:00 pm, and A. abaetensis from 09:00 am to 01:00 pm. Both species were found more frequently on sunny days, with similar patterns of activity at the time of sighting, being usually observed walking on sand (A. ocellifera) or leaves near the base of shrubs (A. abaetensis). The behaviors demonstrated by both species of Ameivula in response to the approach of the observer were different and were related to the level of exposure along with the vulnerability to predation. The coexistence of A. ocellifera and A. abaetensis in the study area is possibly related to minor differences in the use pattern of temporal and spatial resources by both species, and these differences are probably due to the current ecological interactions. The results obtained in this study contribute to the understanding of the natural history and ecology of the species of Ameivula and mainly generate useful information for the conservation of these species in habitats transitional of Atlantic Forest-Caatinga.
Keywords : Ameivula abaetensis; Ameivula ocellifera; coexistence; ecology; lizards.