A Reexamination of the Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus Collaris Collaris) in Arkansas
Author: Ashley Ann Grimsley
Publisher:
Published: 2012
Total Pages: 282
ISBN-13: 9781267548979
DOWNLOAD EBOOKA literature review of the C. c. collaris is presented in Chapter 1. Lizard characteristics, glade habitat characteristics, and information on habitat change, loss, and fragmentation of glades are described. The main goal of my thesis, presented in Chapter 2, was to determine differences across sites in environmental variables, habitat variables, tree community structure, and lizard body condition. I sought to establish differences in these factors in 17 historical C. c. collaris sites (7 with lizard presence and 8 with lizard absence) and determine if the differences were correlated with the presence or absence of C. c. collaris populations. Significant differences in some factors were found between present sites and absent sites. Environmental variables were not related to the presence or absence of C. c. collaris, indicating a habitat phenomenon rather than environmental. Lizard presence was correlated with habitat structure, as indicated in the ground and canopy cover surveys. Present sites had a positive correlation with rock and soil cover and a negative correlation with CWD, vegetation, and canopy cover; whereas absent sites had a positive correlation with CWD, vegetation, and canopy cover and a negative correlation with rock and soil cover. Present and absent sites had a significant difference in tree community structure. Absent sites had significantly larger trees and a higher frequency of trees compared to present sites. Lizard body condition was associated with the quality and openness of the glade. These data will prove useful in conservation efforts aimed at C. c. collaris recovery in Arkansas and other glade locations in the Ozarks.