Frugivory and Seed Dispersal by the Lizard Gallotia galloti (Lacertidae) in a Xeric Habitat of the Canary Islands

Abstract

The relationship between an endemic lizard (Gallotia galloti) and plants with fleshy fruits was examined in a xeric habitat on the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands. An analysis of 441 droppinps collected in May 1991, showed that fruits are an important item in the diet of this omnivorous lizard; 92% and 56% of droppinps contained fruits from two different areas. Fruits of seven plant species were found in the droppinps: Rubia fruticosa, Neochamaelea pulverulenta, Withania aristata, Lycium intricatum, Atriplex semibaccata, Opuntia dillenii and Scilla cf. haemorrhoidalis. The number of fruit species consumed at each area by G. galloti was related to their availability. Seed viability did not differ between control seeds and seeds from the droppings, except for N. pulverulenta and L. intricatum, where viability was higher in control seeds