Ecological Differences in Tropical Sympatric Skinks (Mabuya macrorhyncha and Mabuya agilis) in Southeastern Brazil

Vrcibradic, Davor; Rocha, Carlos Frederico Duarte

doi:10.2307/1564707

Cited by 64 publications

(44 citation statements)

References 0 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Differences in resource utilization among sympatric species may simply reflect their specific ecological needs rather than competitive pressures (e.g. Maury, 1981, 1985;Ortega et al, 1982;Gonzalez-Romero et al, 1989;Bergallo and Rocha, 1994;Vrcibradic and Rocha, 1996). Thus, competition may be less common (Dunham, 1980(Dunham, , 1983Tinkle, 1982;M'Closkey and Baia, 1987) or less important in community structuring than previously thought (Barbault and Maury, 1981;Gonzalez-Romero et al, 1989).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Niche differences between two sympatric whiptail lizards (Cnemidophorus abaetensis and C. ocellifer, Teiidae) in the restinga habitat of northeastern Brazil

Dias

Rocha

2007

Braz. J. Biol.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Differences among sympatric lizard species usually result from differences in the use of three resources: space, time and food or some combination of these three. However, differences in resource utilization among sympatric species may simply reflect their specific ecological needs rather than competitive pressures. In this study, we analyzed the temporal, spatial and food niche of two congeneric teiids (Cnemidophorus abaetensis and C. ocellifer) living sympatrically in the "restinga" habitat of Abaeté in the Salvador Municipality, Bahia State, Brazil to assess the degree of niche differentiation among them. The whiptail species overlapped considerably in an hourly activity (O jk = 0.93), in microhabitat use (O jk = 0.97) and in the prey items consumed (O jk = 0.89). Differences in amount of vegetation in the microhabitats used by both lizard species may have contributed to differences in the activity period and in the distribution of the main prey eaten by these lizards which may, in turn, facilitate their coexistence in Abaeté. Although sympatric C. ocellifer and C. abaetensis in Abaeté differed only slightly in their use of microhabitats, period of activity and diet, the most important niche dimension segregating the two species seemed to be the food niche.Keywords: whiptail lizards, restinga habitat, diet, sympatry, niche overlap. Diferenças de nichos entre duas espécies simpátricas de lagartos (Cnemidophorus abaetensis e C. ocellifer) em habitat de restinga no nordeste do Brasil ResumoAs diferenças entre espécies simpátricas geralmente podem ser atribuídas às variações na utilização de três dimensões primárias de recurso: o período de atividade, o microhabitat e o alimento ou a alguma combinação das três. No entanto, tais diferenças na utilização de recursos entre espécies simpátricas têm sido sugeridas mais como um reflexo de suas necessidades ecológicas específicas do que resultado de pressão competitiva. Neste estudo, avaliou-se o nicho temporal, o espacial e o alimentar de dois teídeos cogenéricos (Cnemidophorus abaetensis e C. ocellifer) vivendo em simpatria na restinga de Abaeté em Salvador, Bahia. As duas espécies de lagartos sobrepõem-se consideravelmente no período de atividade (O jk = 0,93), no uso dos microhabitats (O jk = 0,97) e nos tipos de presas consumidas (O jk = 0,89). As diferenças na quantidade de vegetação nos microhabitats utilizadas pelas duas espécies podem ter contribuído para as diferenças no período de atividade e na distribuição dos principais tipos de presas consumidas por estas duas espé-cies de lagartos, o que pode ter favorecido a coexistência entre elas na restinga do Abaeté. No entanto, as diferenças na dieta são as mais significativas para a segregação.Palavras-chave: Cnemidophorus, restinga, dieta, simpatria, sobreposição de nicho.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Niche differences between two sympatric whiptail lizards (Cnemidophorus abaetensis and C. ocellifer, Teiidae) in the restinga habitat of northeastern Brazil

Dias

Rocha

2007

Braz. J. Biol.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…From this work it was suggested that space, time and diet are perhaps the most important limiting factors where segregation in lizard assemblages could be detected (e.g., Schoener 1968;Pianka 1973;Toft 1985;Vrcibradic & Rocha 1996). The tools developed in these studies are widely used to answer conservation questions (e.g., Sartorius et al 1999;Vega et al 2000) or for describing the ecological requirements of endangered species (e.g., Martín & Salvador 1995).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microhabitat use, seasonal activity and diet of the snake-eyed skink (Ablepharus kitaibelii fitzingeri) in comparison with sympatric lacertids in Hungary

et al. 2007

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Microhabitat selection and seasonal activity of the snake-eyed skink, Ablephaus kitaibelii fitzingeri, are compared to the two lacertid lizards (Lacerta viridis and Podarcis muralis) that co-occur in many of its habitats. The food composition of A. k. fitzingeri is also described. Significant differences in microhabitat selection and seasonal activity among the three species were found. The snake-eyed skink was associated with open grasslands, and with a low level of scrub, bare soil and rock cover. The microhabitat preference of L. viridis was quite similar to that of the skink, but with a higher preference for scrub. P. muralis occurred in places with greater rock and bare soil cover, and more scrub than A. k. fitzingeri. Activity of the snake-eyed skink decreased dramatically in summer, probably because of the reduced thermal inertia originating from the extremely small size of this species, but its seasonal activity overlapped with those of the lacertids. Stomach content analysis of the snake-eyed skink suggests that it is a generalist predator of small, mainly flightless arthropod prey. Competition with juvenile lacertids and predation by adult L. viridis are conceivable for the snake-eyed skink.

show abstract

“…Mabuya macrorhyncha utiliza predominantemente bromé-lias, tanto as do chão como as epífitas, enquanto M. agilis vive na serapilheira e não ocorre em arbustos (ROCHA & VRCIBRADIC 1999, VRCIBRADIC & ROCHA 1996.…”

Section: Habitat Ocupado Pelas Espéciesunclassified

“…O antebraço parece se alongar com o crescimento, especialmente nas fêmeas, enquanto mão e dígitos apresentam alometria negativa, ainda que sejam relativamente alongados quando comparados a M. agilis de mesmo tamanho (VRCIBRADIC & ROCHA 1996).…”

Section: Habitat Ocupado Pelas Espéciesunclassified

“…Por exemplo, ao menos cinco espécies de Mabuya apresentam redução moderada dos membros locomotores, característica usualmente relacionada a um hábito fossorial ou semifossorial, ou a ambientes de vegetação densa (GANS 1985, LANDE 1978, SHINE 1986. VRCIBRADIC & ROCHA (1995, 1996 Dunn, 1936, M. macrorhyncha Hoge, 1946, and M. nigropunctata (Spix, 1825 were analyzed. Interspecific differences in body proportions as a possible result of allometric growth in these species are also examined.…”

unclassified

See 1 more Smart Citation

Crescimento alométrico, morfologia e uso do habitat em cinco espécies de Mabuya Fitzinger (Reptilia, Scincidae)

Pinto

Ávila-Pires

2004

Rev. Bras. Zool.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Foram analisadas a variação ontogenética da forma do corpo nos lagartos sul-americanos Mabuya agilis, M. bistriata, M. guaporicola, M. macrorhyncha e M. nigropunctata, assim como as diferenças interespecíficas nas proporções do corpo, como resultados de um possível crescimento alométrico. As trajetórias das tendências ontogenéticas foram significativamente diferentes somente entre M. guaporicola e M. nigropunctata; todos os pares de espécies, exceto M. agilis e M. macrorhyncha, M. bistriata e M. nigropunctata, demonstraram diferenças significativas em relação ao intercepto Y. A Análise de Componentes Principais aplicada sobre uma série de caracteres morfométricos demonstrou sinais opostos para as variáveis do corpo e dos membros, corroborando estudos anteriores. Contudo, quando as espécies foram analisadas individualmente, as mãos e dígitos apresentaram alometria negativa, enquanto os demais segmentos apresentaram variação em suas alometrias. Algumas hipóteses levantadas nesse estudo, relacionadas à forma do corpo e ao uso do hábitat nessas espécies, necessitam ser testadas.

show abstract

Ecological Differences in Tropical Sympatric Skinks (Mabuya macrorhyncha and Mabuya agilis) in Southeastern Brazil

Cited by 64 publications

References 0 publications

Niche differences between two sympatric whiptail lizards (Cnemidophorus abaetensis and C. ocellifer, Teiidae) in the restinga habitat of northeastern Brazil

Niche differences between two sympatric whiptail lizards (Cnemidophorus abaetensis and C. ocellifer, Teiidae) in the restinga habitat of northeastern Brazil

Microhabitat use, seasonal activity and diet of the snake-eyed skink (Ablepharus kitaibelii fitzingeri) in comparison with sympatric lacertids in Hungary

Crescimento alométrico, morfologia e uso do habitat em cinco espécies de Mabuya Fitzinger (Reptilia, Scincidae)

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About