Natural history of the lizard Enyalius iheringii (Squamata, Leiosauridae) in southern Brazilian Atlantic forest

Studies on the natural history of the lizard Enyalius iheringii Boulenger, 1885, as well as other tropical lizards, are rare. In this study, some aspects of the natural history of this endemic species from the Atlantic forest are reported in areas of Vale do Itajaí, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Twenty individuals were found, of which 18 were collected. Most of them were found over the vegetation (n=17) and on the ground (n=3). The main defensive strategy displayed was camouflage (n=16). Jumping (n=1), jumping and running (n=1) and running (n=2) were also observed in some individuals. When handled, lizards exhibited mouth wide open, hissing, and occasionally biting, as well as color change in males. Regarding its diet, the numerically most important prey was beetles (Coleoptera), followed by Lepidoptera larvae. Beetles, lepidopteran larvae and spiders were the most frequent food items. Males and females did not differ in size. Three sexually mature females (100-113 mm SVL) were found in December and January.

Informações sobre a história natural do lagarto Enyalius iheringii Boulenger, 1885 são escassas, assim como para várias espécies de lagartos de florestas tropicais. Neste estudo abordamos vários aspectos da história natural desta espécie endêmica da Mata Atlântica, na região do Vale do Itajaí, Santa Catarina. Encontramos 20 indivíduos, dos quais 18 foram coletados. A maioria foi encontrada sobre a vegetação (n=17) e o restante sobre o solo (n=3). A camuflagem foi a principal tática defensiva utilizada (n=16), apesar de também observarmos salto (n=1), salto e corrida (n=1) e corrida (n=2). Quando manipulados, apresentaram o comportamento de escancarar a boca, emissão de silvos e eventualmente mordidas, assim como mudança de coloração em machos. Com relação à dieta, as presas mais consumidas foram coleópteros, seguidos por larvas de lepidópteros; em relação à frequência, os itens mais representativos foram coleópteros, seguidos por larvas de lepidópteros e aranhas. Machos e fêmeas não diferiram em relação ao tamanho do corpo. Três fêmeas reprodutivas (100-113 mm CRC) foram encontradas nos meses de dezembro e janeiro.

Natural history of the lizard Enyalius iheringii (Squamata, Leiosauridae) in southern Brazilian Atlantic forest

Studies on the natural history of the lizard Enyalius iheringii Boulenger, 1885, as well as other tropical lizards, are rare. In this study, some aspects of the natural history of this endemic species from the Atlantic forest are reported in areas of Vale do Itajaí, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Twenty individuals were found, of which 18 were collected. Most of them were found over the vegetation (n=17) and on the ground (n=3). The main defensive strategy displayed was camouflage (n=16). Jumping (n=1), jumping and running (n=1) and running (n=2) were also observed in some individuals. When handled, lizards exhibited mouth wide open, hissing, and occasionally biting, as well as color change in males. Regarding its diet, the numerically most important prey was beetles (Coleoptera), followed by Lepidoptera larvae. Beetles, lepidopteran larvae and spiders were the most frequent food items. Males and females did not differ in size. Three sexually mature females (100-113 mm SVL) were found in December and January.

Informações sobre a história natural do lagarto Enyalius iheringii Boulenger, 1885 são escassas, assim como para várias espécies de lagartos de florestas tropicais. Neste estudo abordamos vários aspectos da história natural desta espécie endêmica da Mata Atlântica, na região do Vale do Itajaí, Santa Catarina. Encontramos 20 indivíduos, dos quais 18 foram coletados. A maioria foi encontrada sobre a vegetação (n=17) e o restante sobre o solo (n=3). A camuflagem foi a principal tática defensiva utilizada (n=16), apesar de também observarmos salto (n=1), salto e corrida (n=1) e corrida (n=2). Quando manipulados, apresentaram o comportamento de escancarar a boca, emissão de silvos e eventualmente mordidas, assim como mudança de coloração em machos. Com relação à dieta, as presas mais consumidas foram coleópteros, seguidos por larvas de lepidópteros; em relação à frequência, os itens mais representativos foram coleópteros, seguidos por larvas de lepidópteros e aranhas. Machos e fêmeas não diferiram em relação ao tamanho do corpo. Três fêmeas reprodutivas (100-113 mm CRC) foram encontradas nos meses de dezembro e janeiro.

Composition of mixed-species bird flocks in forest fragments of southern Brazil

The present study aimed to evaluate the composition of mixed-species bird flocks in a fragmented landscape of the Atlantic Forest in southern Brazil. We recorded 117 species in 218 mixed-species flocks. The correspondence analysis showed two distinct groups of fragments according to degree of connectivity with other fragments. The percentage of original cover surrounding a sampled fragment area up to a ratio of 2.5 and 1 km was the variable that presented highest correlation with the formation of different composition of mixed-species bird flocks, followed by altitude. Based on these results, we concluded that, in landscapes with low levels of fragmentation, the composition of mixed flocks reflects the local species pool. Thus, future studies comparing composition of mixed-specie flocks should concentrate their efforts in areas where some of these variables remain constant, as for example where fragments are at similar altitudes.

Composition of mixed-species bird flocks in forest fragments of southern Brazil

The present study aimed to evaluate the composition of mixed-species bird flocks in a fragmented landscape of the Atlantic Forest in southern Brazil. We recorded 117 species in 218 mixed-species flocks. The correspondence analysis showed two distinct groups of fragments according to degree of connectivity with other fragments. The percentage of original cover surrounding a sampled fragment area up to a ratio of 2.5 and 1 km was the variable that presented highest correlation with the formation of different composition of mixed-species bird flocks, followed by altitude. Based on these results, we concluded that, in landscapes with low levels of fragmentation, the composition of mixed flocks reflects the local species pool. Thus, future studies comparing composition of mixed-specie flocks should concentrate their efforts in areas where some of these variables remain constant, as for example where fragments are at similar altitudes.

Composition of mixed-species bird flocks in forest fragments of southern Brazil

The present study aimed to evaluate the composition of mixed-species bird flocks in a fragmented landscape of the Atlantic Forest in southern Brazil. We recorded 117 species in 218 mixed-species flocks. The correspondence analysis showed two distinct groups of fragments according to degree of connectivity with other fragments. The percentage of original cover surrounding a sampled fragment area up to a ratio of 2.5 and 1 km was the variable that presented highest correlation with the formation of different composition of mixed-species bird flocks, followed by altitude. Based on these results, we concluded that, in landscapes with low levels of fragmentation, the composition of mixed flocks reflects the local species pool. Thus, future studies comparing composition of mixed-specie flocks should concentrate their efforts in areas where some of these variables remain constant, as for example where fragments are at similar altitudes.