Sharing Amazonian Rain-Forest Trees: Ecology of Anolis punctatus and Anolis transversalis (Squamata: Polychrotidae)

• Published in: Journal of herpetology 2003-06, Vol.37 (2), p.276-285
• Main Authors: Vitt, Laurie J, Avila-Pires, Teresa Cristina S, Espósito, Maria Cristina, Sartorius, Shawn S, Zani, Peter A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Conservation biology; CONTENTS; Ecological genetics; Ecological history; Ecology; Forest habitats; Lizards; Male animals; Microhabitats; Old growth forests; Species; Tropical rain forests
• ISSN: 0022-1511; 1937-2418
• DOI: 10.1670/0022-1511(2003)037[0276:SARTEO]2.0.CO;2

We studied the ecology of Anolis punctatus and Anolis transversalis at six localities in the Amazon region of Ecuador and Brazil from 1994–1999. Both lizards are arboreal, about the same size (A. punctatus slightly larger) but differ in some body proportions. Anolis transversalis is restricted to undisturbed primary forest more so than A. punctatus, but both use similar microhabitats. During midday, A. transversalis was not observed, suggesting that individuals may not be active near the ground at that time. Both species are thermal conformers although each was able to maintain Tb slightly higher than that of its perch. Most lizards contained prey, and, overall, a positive relationship existed between lizard body size (SVL) and mean prey volume. Volumetrically, A. punctatus ate mostly ants and orthopterans, whereas A. transversalis ate mostly roaches, beetles, and ants. Dietary overlaps were low (0.56). These two species can be considered “crown giants” among Amazonian anoles. Similar to many Amazonian rain-forest lizards, ecological traits of A. punctatus and A. transversalis render them likely candidates for local extinction when deforestation occurs.