Influence of habitat structure on the escape tactics of the lizard <i>Psammodromus algirus</i>

Abstract

We examined the escape responses of a population of lizards (Psammodromus algirus) in relation to reasonal variation in the habitat caused by the presence or absence of leaves in deciduous shrubs under which the lizards seek refuge against predators, and, within a season, relative to the microhabitat occupied. Approach and flight distances of lizards were significantly longer in early spring (when most bushes were without leaves) than in summer. Within a season, approach and flight distances were also longer in microhabitats with less vegetation cover. Lizards ran to refuges (patches of leaf litter under bushes) similar in characteristics but further than the nearest one available from their initial location. This suggests that misleading the predator is also crucial to escaping successfully. Escape responses were independent of ambient temperature. Lizards showed flexibility in their antipredator behaviours that may be related to predation risk assessment.