Homing and Navigation in Chuckwallas (Sauromalus ater)
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Authors
Wakeling, Stephanie R.
Issue Date
2012
Type
Thesis
Language
Keywords
animal movement , chuckwalla , homing , lizard , Mojave , telemetry
Alternative Title
Abstract
In this study of chuckwalla homing and movement we displaced 30 chuckwallas, and a total of 11 chuckwallas were able to return to home successfully. Larger animals were the most successful returners, and they only returned well from the shorter displacement distance of 200 m. Our data provides evidence that smaller lizards may have differential navigation ability, higher resistance to movements caused by conspecifics, or lower motivation to return home. Our study also illustrates displaced lizards have greater daily movements than lizards on their home ranges, and the study increases our knowledge of the size and nature of home ranges of chuckwallas during an activity season. We discuss necessary future research to help us understand movements and propensities of chuckwallas and the factors that may be important in determining movements.
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License
In Copyright(All Rights Reserved)