Influences of Seasonality, Thermal Environment and Wind Intensity on the Thermal Ecology of Brazilian Sand Lizards In A Restinga Remnant

Abstract

We evaluated the importance of thermal environment and wind intensity to the body temperature (Tb) and activity rates oîLiolaemus lutzae (a lizard species restricted to restingas in the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil), looking for seasonal changes. Field work was carried out in restinga of Praia Grande, municipality of Arraial do Cabo. In the dry season, lizards' activity started (07:00 h) and ended (18:00 h) latter compared to the rainy season (start: 06:00 h; end: 17:00 h). The body temperature of active L. lutzae individuals varied along day (lower in the start and in the end of their daily activity period), and achieved higher values in the rainy season. The lizards' body temperatures were related to substrate temperature and to air temperature in both seasons. Variations in Tb of L. lutzae reflect variations in microhabitat temperatures, the main environmental factors affecting its thermoregulation. The wind intensity affected the Tb of L. lutzae, promoting heat loss by individuals. The mean wind intensity per transect influenced the number of lizards in the habitat causing diminishment. Evaluation of our data indicated that seasonal variations, thermal environments, and wind speed influence both body temperature and activity rates of lizards.