Changes in the structure of assemblages of three liolaemus lizards (Iguania, liolaemidae) in a protected area of South-Central Chile affected by a mixed-severity wildfire

Abstract

The use of space by sympatric lizards was assessed in a protected area in south central Chile that was affected by a wildfire three years prior. I did systematic monitoring in plots with varying degrees of wildfire severity. There I counted the frequency of recordings of each species, and I considered four treatments (low severity, medium severity, high severity and unburned control). Additionally, I subdivided these four into three different microhabitats (ground, trunks and trees). The microhabitats were differentiated by the level of damage caused to vegetation as a consequence of the wildfire. Three species were recorded, slender lizard, Liolaemus tenuis (Duméril & Bibron, 1837), orange-bellied lizard, Liolaemus pictus (Duméril & Bibron, 1837), and elegant tree iguana, Liolaemus lemniscatus (Gravenhorst, 1837). It was revealed that the presence of Liolaemus tenuis was linked to sites with less fire damage; the species disappeared in high severity sites. In contrast, L. pictus displayed a more generalist use of microhabitats, with a similar presence in the different treatments. On the other hand, L. lemniscatus showed a predominant use of the ground, which became more evident in the most severe sites. The pattern found are discussed, as well the influence of fire in reshaping environments.