engleski

Sociability differences between the two neighbouring island populations of Podarcis siculus

In 1971, five adult pairs of the lacertid species Podarcis siculus were taken from their native island Pod Kopište and introduced to the neighbouring island Pod Mrčaru. These two populations of P. Siculus developed high levels of phenotypic differences in both ecology and morphology. Those rapid changes also initiated changes in behaviour and social structure of the lacertid populations. To study sociability differences between the two island populations, we preformed two different behavioural tests. First test was an open field arena. Two plastic boxes were positioned to the opposite sides of the terrarium allowing the lizards to hide, and a bulb was provided for thermoregulation. A piece of paper was placed in both of the boxes – one was odorized with a scent of a random lizard, and one was non-odorized. The lizard could choose to spend time either under the shelter with or without odour, or outside the shelter and exposed. Second test was a three-chambered sociability arena. Two cages were positioned into the marginal parts, one empty and one holding a lizard. The lizard whose sociability was tested was placed into the central part. The lizard could spend time either in the one marginal part interacting with the other individual in the cage, or in the rest of the terrarium without any interaction. Personality variabilities between populations, and even within the same population, affect the data gathered during these tests. Variation in sociability could explain different dispersal responses and its effect in individuals’ aggression and boldness.

animal behaviour, open field, Podarcis Siculus

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