Tail Loss Consequences on Habitat Use by the Iberian Rock Lizard, Lacerta monticola

Abstract

Habitat preferences in lizards are often associated with specific morphological traits and locomotor behavior. Caudal autotomy occurs in many lizards and is often used for escape from predators. Autotomy produces an immediate benefit in terms of survival, although associated costs during tail regeneration may reduce individual fitness. Tail loss may affect the efficiency with which lizards use their habitat. We investigated experimentally the effect of tail loss on microhabitat use in a population of the Iberian rock lizard, Lacerta monticola