Abstract

GONZALEZ-ESPINOZA, Jorge E.  and  MANRIQUEZ-MORAN, Norma L.. Substrate preference of diurnal lizards from Zapotitlán Salinas Valley, Puebla. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2018, vol.89, n.2, pp.471-478. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2018.2.2337.

The spatial distribution of organisms is usually discontinuous due to the interaction between the different species and variable optimal factors for them. In recent years, the distribution of several species has been affected by the alteration and destruction of their habitat; thus, it is important to evaluate the factors that affect the presence and persistence of taxa. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the preference of substrates by diurnal lizards that inhabit Zapotitlán Salinas, Puebla through an analysis of interaction networks. Nestedness, modularity and attributes of the bipartite network were measured to analyze the preferences and distribution of lizards in the area. It was possible to identify generalist and specialist species, as well as the type of recurrent habitat for each species, the structure and possible competition or distribution of available resources. The existing environment in the valley provides a variety of subtrates that allow the presence of all registered species, however, their presence is threatened by the modification of those habitats.

Keywords : Lizards; Substrate; Ecological networks.