Spatio-temporal discrepancies in lizard species and functional diversity

Abstract

Conducting multi-faceted biodiversity assessments can provide a comprehensive vision of the organization of ecological communities over space and time. In this study, the spatio-temporal species diversity and α and β functional diversity of lizard assemblages were evaluated in four vegetation types over a two-season annual cycle. Additionally, site structural elements including vegetation, soil and environmental variables were characterized and related to the composition of lizard species. Both species diversity and functional diversity varied through space and time but followed different trends. Species diversity was higher in lowland vegetation types, characterized by greater tree canopy coverage (%) as well as higher temperature and humidity conditions, while species richness, evenness and functional divergence showed distinct trends. Similarly, seasonal differences were observed in species and functional diversity: the rainy season had greater species diversity, while functional diversity was higher during the dry season. Also, species β-diversity between vegetation types was characterized by turnover; while nestedness was the main component of functional β-diversity. Seasonally, there was no turnover in species or functional diversity. We conclude that vegetation type is the primary determinant of lizard diversity. However, the functional redundancy observed in lizard communities explains the opposite tendencies found between species and functional diversity at α and β levels.