Population ecology of spiny tailed lizard (Saara hardwickii) from lesser Cholistan desert, Bahawalpur, Punjab

Sangam Khalil

doi:10.19045/bspab.2020.90149

Abstract

Current study was conducted to collect data on population ecology of spiny tailed lizard (Saara hardwickii) in lesser Cholistan desert, district Bahawalpur. The density of lizard recorded was based on the observations of selected habitats and on presence of active burrows. Adults (23%) were lower in the population followed by juveniles (35%) and sub-adults (42%) in number. Spiny tailed has territorial behavior and showed wide fluctuations with varying temperature. Lizards found to be agile in morning during hot season particularly during early hours of the day. During breeding season, lizards remain close to their burrows. They run quickly on the inappreciable disturbance from predators and back to their burrows while feeding. During study; it was observed that lizard eat its own shed skin to fulfill nutrient requirements. In various parts of the country including Cholistan, these lizards are frequently collected by illegal means and their fat and oil sold for medicine purpose. Poachers capture lizards and keep them in captivity by the brutal procedure of breaking the backbone. Detail study is required on ecology of spiny tailed lizard for its conservation in Cholistan desert; one of main area of its distribution in Pakistan. Keywords: Cholistan; Density; Ecology; Saara Hardwicke; Spiny lizard http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90149

Highlights

This study provides data on spiny tailed lizard ecology based on information collected in Lesser Cholistan desert
Estimate of lizards density in the current study was based on the presence of active burrows, animals seen in the field and on the no. of animals kept as pet in their habitat (Table 1, Fig. 2)
Throughout the study period, on normal days the lizards found active during whole day while during the rainy days they stayed in their burrow

Summary

Introduction

These lizards are herbivoresEastern spiny-tailed lizards belong to Genus primarily, but when available they can eatSaara including three species as worldwide insects occasionally [4]. Eastern spiny-tailed lizards belong to Genus primarily, but when available they can eat. Saara including three species as worldwide insects occasionally [4]. Sara hardwickii breeds in May to June during distribution in Pakistan, India and summer season. Individuals can attain size of Afghanistan [2]. Sara in Pakistan which is herbivorous, found in hardwickii incubation period is 15 to 20 days dry areas of Cholistan desert and Sindh [6]. A female Sara hardwickii, depending on province largely in small fragmented age and species can lay 5 to 30 eggs

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Discussion

Conclusion