Phase coupling and spatial synchrony of subpopulations of an endangered dune lizard

Abstract

Examining demographic phase coupling and spatial synchrony is important for understanding complicated spatiotemporal population dynamics. It is also necessary for protecting rare and endangered species; populations whose dynamics are controlled by resource flux will face increased extinction risk if environmental conditions that drive those resources become spatially synchronized. In this study, we studied the spatial synchrony of subpopulations of the threatened Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard (Uma inornata), on its remaining sand dune habitat in the Coachella Valley of California. Our results indicated that there is a high level of spatial synchrony between lizard density and their mean reproductive effort for two subpopulations separated by a relatively short distance. High levels of spatial synchrony also exist between the mean lizards’ reproductive effort and annual precipitation. We measured spatial synchrony using four separate methods; using different methods allows understanding of complicated ecological interactions.